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Grade 3 Context Clues Worksheet with Answers

Grade 3 (US) · Year 4 (UK) · Class 3 (India) · English

Unit 3: VocabularyContext CluesCCSS L.3.4a

Working out the meaning of unknown words from the words around them. This free upper elementary worksheet has 12 questions and a full answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF — every answer is checked by code, not guessed.

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Context Clues

Grade 3 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Context Clues · CCSS L.3.4a

Directions: This worksheet has 2 parts. Read the instructions at the start of each part.

Example

Use context: 'I was famished, so I ate two sandwiches.' What does 'famished' mean?

Answer: very hungry

RememberContext clue types

Definitionthe meaning is given“…arid, or very dry…”Synonyma word that means the sameAntonyman opposite: unlike, butExamplesuch as, for example
Part A

Use the clues in each sentence to work out what the underlined word means.

  1. 1

    He was so lethargic after the flu that he slept all day.

  2. 2

    The scientist was meticulous, checking every number three times.

  3. 3

    The road was slick with ice, and cars slid everywhere.

  4. 4

    The instructions were ambiguous, so half the class did the wrong page.

  5. 5

    The desert is arid; it hardly ever rains there.

  6. 6

    Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reticent.

  7. 7

    The puppy was so tiny, it fit in my palm.

  8. 8

    The old bridge was fragile, so only one person could cross at a time.

  9. 9

    He gave a terse reply — just one word — and walked away.

  10. 10

    The diplomat tried to mitigate the conflict by calming both sides.

Part B

Answer each question. Use full sentences where you can.

  1. 11

    Which kind of context clue is used? 'A biome, or large natural community, covers a big area.'

  2. 12

    Which kind of context clue is used? 'Unlike the timid kitten, the puppy was bold.'

★ Challenge corner for fast finishers

Unscramble the letters: MLKI (clue: a white drink)

How did I do?

Teacher's comments

Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/3/context_clues

Answer key (click to show)
  1. 1.tired / sluggish
  2. 2.very careful about details
  3. 3.slippery
  4. 4.unclear / having more than one meaning
  5. 5.very dry
  6. 6.quiet / not saying much
  7. 7.very small
  8. 8.easily broken
  9. 9.short and abrupt
  10. 10.make less severe
  11. 11.definition / restatement clue
  12. 12.antonym / contrast clue
  13. ★milk (challenge corner)

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How to use this worksheet

  • Use it as a 10–15 minute warm-up or homework task rather than a long drill.
  • Ask students to show their working so you can see where a mistake started, not just that it happened.
  • Mark it with the answer key together, then print a fresh version of the same topic to practise the questions they missed.

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More Grade 3 English worksheets

Grade 3 Prefixes & SuffixesGrade 3 SynonymsGrade 3 AntonymsGrade 3 Synonyms & Antonyms (Mixed)Grade 3 Shades of Meaning & ConnotationGrade 3 Nouns & VerbsGrade 3 Plural Nouns (Regular & Irregular)Grade 3 Irregular Past-Tense Verbs

Guides for teaching Context Clues

Context Clues: 5 Types with Examples (and How to Teach Them)Definition, synonym, antonym, example and inference clues — how readers work out unknown words without a dictionary, with sample sentences and a classroom routine.7 Reading Comprehension Strategies Every Student Should UsePredict, question, visualize, summarize and more — what good readers do automatically, and how to practise each one.Preventing the Summer Slide: A Simple Plan for the HolidaysStudents can lose ground in math and reading over long breaks. A light, regular routine is enough to keep skills fresh — here's one that fits family life.

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