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Grade 4 Context Clues Worksheet with Answers

Grade 4 (US) · Year 5 (UK) · Class 4 (India) · English

Unit 3: VocabularyContext Clues & RootsCCSS L.4.4a

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 4 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Context Clues & Roots · CCSS L.4.4a

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

Example

Use context: 'She was elated when she won — she jumped for joy.' What does 'elated' mean?

Answer: very happy

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

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

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    The once-thriving town became desolate after the mine closed.

  5. 5

    The desert is arid; it hardly ever rains there.

  6. 6

    Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reticent.

  7. 7

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

  8. 8

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

  9. 9

    I was famished, so I ate two sandwiches.

  10. 10

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

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

What can you catch but not throw?

How did I do?

Teacher's comments

Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/4/context_clues

Answer key (click to show)
  1. 1.tired / sluggish
  2. 2.short and abrupt
  3. 3.very small
  4. 4.empty and lifeless
  5. 5.very dry
  6. 6.quiet / not saying much
  7. 7.unclear / having more than one meaning
  8. 8.slippery
  9. 9.very hungry
  10. 10.easily broken
  11. 11.definition / restatement clue
  12. 12.antonym / contrast clue
  13. ★a cold (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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Grade 4 Greek & Latin RootsGrade 4 Figurative LanguageGrade 4 SynonymsGrade 4 AntonymsGrade 4 Synonyms & Antonyms (Mixed)Grade 4 Relative PronounsGrade 4 Verb TensesGrade 4 Progressive & Perfect Tenses

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.AI and Homework: A Parent's Guide to Helping Kids Learn (Not Cheat)How AI chatbots can help or harm learning, the signs homework was done by AI, simple house rules that work, and good ways for children to use AI to study.The 8 Parts of Speech: A Simple Guide with ExamplesNouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections — what each one does, how to spot it, and the words that switch jobs.

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