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Grade 6 Context Clues Worksheet with Answers

Grade 6 (US) · Year 7 (UK) · Class 6 (India) · English

Unit 3: VocabularyContext Clues & RootsCCSS L.6.4a

Working out the meaning of unknown words from the words around them. This free middle school 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 6 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Context Clues & Roots · CCSS L.6.4a

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

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

  2. 2

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

  3. 3

    Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reticent.

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

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

  6. 6

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

  7. 7

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

  8. 8

    I was famished, so I ate two sandwiches.

  9. 9

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

  10. 10

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

  11. 11

    The desert is arid; it hardly ever rains there.

Part B

Answer each question. Use full sentences where you can.

  1. 12

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

★ Challenge corner for fast finishers

What has many teeth but can't bite?

How did I do?

Teacher's comments

Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/6/context_clues

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

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How to use this worksheet

  • Works well as a bell-ringer, exit ticket, homework set or quick quiz.
  • Have students self-check with the answer key, then correct their own mistakes before you review.
  • Generate a new version of the same topic for a re-test, so students can't just memorise the answers.

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Grade 6 Greek & Latin RootsGrade 6 AnalogiesGrade 6 SynonymsGrade 6 AntonymsGrade 6 Synonyms & Antonyms (Mixed)Grade 6 Shades of Meaning & ConnotationGrade 6 Idioms & ExpressionsGrade 6 Vocabulary Building

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.

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