Question

1. read the sentence.

juan’s rude and pithy response to his teacher only took a second but landed him a week of after school detention.
using your context clues, what words or phrases help you determine that pithy means brief?
a. response to his teacher
b. only took a second
c. landed him a week of after school detention
d. a week of after school detention

1. read the sentence then determine the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

the pungent odor of boy’s locker room after a football game burned my nostrils and made it hard for me to breathe.
what is the best meaning of pungent?
a. pleasant
b. bland
c. sharp or acidy
d. odorless

1. read the sentence then determine the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

what will you do with me if my father, the police chief, does not pay the $2 million ransom for my return? asked the teenage daughter as the kidnapper pushed her into his van. well, my dear, the kidnapper replied with a sinister smile, your father has two choices. he can either give me the money or he can say goodbye to his daughter_forever!
what is the best meaning of sinister?
a. helpful
b. evil
c. crazy
d. angry
7.read the sentence then determine the meaning of the underline word.
his emotions were difficult to articulate, but thomas knew it was now or never. he had to tell erica how much he loved her before she got on the plane and left him and his heart forever.
what is the best meaning of the work articulate?
a. unclear
b. clearly spoken
c. hidden
d. segments

Explanation:

1. "only took a second" shows brevity.
2. "burned my nostrils, hard to breathe" implies sharp smell.
3. Kidnapping context suggests "evil".
4. He needs to tell Erica, so it means clearly - spoken.

Answer:

1. B. only took a second
2. C. sharp or acidy
3. B. evil
4. B. clearly spoken