Question

vocabulary: use context clues to understand meaning
a read the sentences from “people are unhappy, not mean.” then use context clues to choose the correct definition for the word or phrase in bold.

1. it can be really upsetting and even frightening to be made fun of.

a. laughed at b. funny

1. they might look strong and confident and very pleased with themselves.

a. proud b. undecided

1. it’s pretty much always because something else was bothering you, and you didn’t know how to make it better.

a. every time b. most of the time

1. grown - ups think babies are very sweet.

a. thoughtful b. cute

1. you might feel like people should be paying more attention to you.

a. giving b. receiving
b read the sentences. which word from the sentence helps you understand the context of the word or phrase in bold?

1. it bothers me that her comments were so nasty—i had no idea she could be so spiteful.

a. bothers b. nasty

1. i think he’s frightening! he’s a powerful person with a lot of influence.

a. powerful b. frightening

1. i’m miserable because the new director has made a mess of the play. i knew he would ruin everything!

a. miserable b. ruin

1. maria seems really out of sorts. something must be bothering her.

a. bothering b. seems

1. our math teacher is a big man, so it’s surprising how gentle he can be—it was a real eye - opener!

a. surprising b. gentle

1. i’m miserable because my cousin was so unkind to me. i feel very distraught about it.

a. unkind b. miserable

Explanation:

1. "Made fun of" implies being laughed at in a negative - way.
2. "Pleased with themselves" is similar in meaning to being proud.
3. "Pretty much always" means most of the time.
4. When grown - ups say babies are sweet, they usually mean cute.
5. "Paying more attention" means giving more attention.
6. "Nasty" comments suggest someone is spiteful.
7. A powerful and influential person can be frightening.
8. When something is ruined, it creates a mess.
9. If something is bothering someone, they seem out of sorts.
10. A big man being gentle is surprising.
11. Being unkind can make one feel distraught.

Answer:

1. a. laughed at
2. a. proud
3. b. most of the time
4. b. cute
5. a. giving
6. b. nasty
7. a. powerful
8. b. ruin
9. a. bothering
10. a. surprising
11. a. unkind