Reading: Vocabulary in Context Flashcards

Read this sentence: 'The scientist was meticulous in her research, checking every measurement three times before recording the results.' What does 'meticulous' most likely mean?

Answer: Very careful and precise

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail and care, which is supported by the clue 'checking every measurement three times.'

Read this sentence: 'After the heavy rain, the river was turbulent, with waves crashing against the banks.' What does 'turbulent' most likely mean?

Answer: Wild and unsteady

'Turbulent' means moving in a wild, unsteady way, which is supported by the image of waves crashing against the banks.

Which strategy is MOST useful for working out the meaning of an unfamiliar word?

Answer: Look at the words and sentences around the unfamiliar word

Using context clues — the words and sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word — is the most effective strategy for determining its meaning.

Read this sentence: 'The old building had deteriorated over the years, with crumbling walls and broken windows.' What does 'deteriorated' mean?

Answer: Become worse or broken down over time

'Deteriorated' means to become worse in condition over time, supported by the clues 'crumbling walls and broken windows.'

A word's 'connotation' refers to:

Answer: The emotional feeling or association it carries beyond its literal meaning

Connotation refers to the feelings and associations a word carries in addition to its literal or dictionary definition.

Read this passage: 'The puppy was timid at first, hiding behind the couch and refusing to approach strangers.' What does 'timid' mean?

Answer: Easily frightened and shy

'Timid' means shy and easily frightened, which is clearly shown by the puppy hiding and refusing to approach strangers.

Which of the following is an example of using a contrast clue to find a word's meaning?

Answer: 'Unlike his gregarious sister who loved parties, Tom was reserved and preferred to be alone.'

A contrast clue uses words like 'unlike' or 'but' to show the opposite meaning, helping readers deduce the unfamiliar word's definition.