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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Context Clues Quiz: Use Sentence Hints to Unlock Word Meaning

20-question context clues test with instant feedback and explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Bart SmetsUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 5
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting a Decode Context Clues trivia for middle school Language Arts students.

This context clues quiz helps you figure out unfamiliar words using hints in each sentence. Answer 20 quick multiple-choice questions and get instant feedback to spot strengths and gaps. Keep building vocabulary with a word meaning quiz, sharpen word choice with a synonyms practice test, and stretch your thinking with word analogies practice.

In the sentence: After hours of poring over the arcane manuscript, Maya finally decoded its meaning. What does arcane most nearly mean based on context?
humorous and lighthearted
mysterious and known by few
recently printed
boring and lengthy
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Read: The lake was teeming with fish; you could see them darting in every direction. Teeming most nearly means
silent and calm
dangerous to swim
empty or barren
crowded or full
undefined
In: Unlike his gregarious sister, who loved parties, Marcus preferred quiet evenings alone. Gregarious most nearly means
tired
anxious
sociable
careless
undefined
The instructor gave a succinct explanation, trimming away all unnecessary details. Succinct most nearly means
confusing
overly technical
humorous
brief and clear
undefined
Sentence: The storm abated by morning, leaving only a light drizzle. Abated most nearly means
froze solid
lessened in intensity
grew stronger
shifted direction
undefined
In: The scientist's hypothesis was untenable once new evidence contradicted it. Untenable most nearly means
unexpectedly correct
easily tested
partially complete
unable to be defended
undefined
Context: Many birds are diurnal, active during the day and resting at night. Diurnal most nearly means
migratory
night-active
day-active
seasonal
undefined
Sentence: Her handwriting is meticulous, with every letter formed perfectly. Meticulous most nearly means
very careful and precise
large and bold
artistic but messy
difficult to read
undefined
Statement: In "The antidote neutralized the venom, saving the patient," antidote means a substance that worsens a poison.
False
True
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In: The manager rebuked the employee for repeated tardiness, warning of consequences. Rebuked most nearly means
criticized sharply
trained patiently
promoted
ignored
undefined
Context: The lawyer's argument was cogent, persuading even skeptical jurors. Cogent most nearly means
emotional
aggressive
convincing and logical
lengthy and dull
undefined
Sentence: The biologist noted a symbiotic relationship, where both species benefited. Symbiotic most nearly means
parasitic to one
competitive only
predatory
mutually beneficial
undefined
Statement: In "The decision was irrevocable, and there was no appeal," irrevocable means capable of being reversed.
False
True
undefined
In: Despite his wealth, his philanthropy was sporadic, occurring unpredictably throughout the year. Sporadic most nearly means
generous and steady
planned quarterly
minimal
irregular and infrequent
undefined
Context: The author's tone was sardonic, laced with biting sarcasm. Sardonic most nearly means
joyfully enthusiastic
gently amused
mockingly cynical
neutral
undefined
In: The CEO's equivocation frustrated reporters, as he dodged clear answers. Equivocation most nearly means
careful research
admission of guilt
loud protest
use of ambiguous language to avoid commitment
undefined
Context: The philosopher rejected dogma, urging students to question inherited beliefs. Dogma most nearly means
casual rumor
personal preference
authoritative principle or set of beliefs
scientific method
undefined
Sentence: The memoir is replete with vivid anecdotes from the author's travels. Replete most nearly means
fictionalized
brief and lacking detail
filled or well-supplied
chronologically disordered
undefined
Statement: In "Her remarks were perfunctory, delivered with enthusiasm and care," perfunctory means done with great effort and interest.
False
True
undefined
In: The treaty imposed draconian penalties on violators, far harsher than expected. Draconian most nearly means
vaguely defined
easily avoided
mutually beneficial
excessively severe
undefined
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze contextual hints to infer word meanings.
  2. Apply context clues to enhance reading comprehension.
  3. Evaluate the relationship between unfamiliar words and surrounding text.
  4. Interpret subtle textual cues to determine nuanced meanings.
  5. Utilize inferred meanings to answer comprehension questions accurately.
  6. Critique and improve reading strategies based on context analysis.

Context Clues Quiz: Multiple Choice Review Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the Five Types of Context Clues - Imagine yourself as a word detective on the lookout for definition, synonym, antonym, example, and inference clues hiding in every sentence. Recognizing these five clue-buddies will help you crack the code on unfamiliar words and supercharge your vocabulary.
  2. Practice with Real Sentences - Think of each sentence as a mini-puzzle waiting to be solved. By hunting for context clues in authentic examples, you'll boost reading comprehension and gain confidence in tackling tricky words.
  3. Spot the Signal Words - Keep your eyes peeled for phrases like "such as," "in other words," or "for example" that flash red flags when a definition or explanation is coming. Being alert to these signals turns reading into a breeze and helps you identify clues faster.
  4. Read the Full Sentence or Paragraph - Don't rush! Reading the entire context gives you the big picture before you guess the meaning of a new word. This strategy provides richer hints and prevents wild guesses.
  5. Level Up with Interactive Games - Who doesn't love leveling up like in a video game? Interactive quizzes and games make context-clue practice feel like playtime, keeping you engaged and eager to learn.
  6. Work through Underlined-Word Worksheets - Grab a pencil and some underlined words to tackle head-on. This focused practice reinforces your new skills and makes spotting clues second nature.
  7. Scan Nearby Sentences for Extra Hints - Clues might lurk in the same sentence or pop up just a line away. Always zoom out and consider the wider passage for hidden hints that seal the deal.
  8. Mix Up Your Reading Materials - Try stories, news articles, and essays to flex your context-clue muscles in different zones. Diverse practice means you'll be ready for any passage that comes your way.
  9. Break Down Words into Parts - Combine prefix, suffix, and root-word knowledge with context clues to unlock even the trickiest terms. This two-pronged approach speeds up learning and deepens your word-smithing skills.
  10. Make Context Clues a Daily Habit - Turn clue-spotting into a reading routine so it becomes as natural as breathing. Consistent practice is your secret weapon for vocabulary mastery.
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