Context Clues for Understanding Unfamiliar Words MCQs

1. The benevolent woman donated money to the orphanage every month. What does “benevolent” most likely mean?
(A) Mean
(B) Generous
(C) Wealthy
(D) Strict

2. The ominous clouds gathered above, warning of an approaching storm. What does “ominous” most likely mean?
(A) Bright
(B) Encouraging
(C) Threatening
(D) Harmless

3. After the long hike, the travelers were parched and searched eagerly for water. What does “parched” mean?
(A) Excited
(B) Thirsty
(C) Lost
(D) Rested

4. Although the movie started out slowly, the climactic ending was exciting and unexpected. What does “climactic” mean?
(A) Boring
(B) Disappointing
(C) Most exciting
(D) Least important

5. The fragile vase shattered into pieces when it hit the ground. What does “fragile” most likely mean?
(A) Strong
(B) Heavy
(C) Breakable
(D) Large

6. The elated crowd cheered when the team scored the winning goal. What does “elated” mean?
(A) Angry
(B) Sad
(C) Extremely happy
(D) Bored

7. The detour sign redirected traffic around the closed road. What does “detour” mean?
(A) Shortcut
(B) New driver
(C) Police stop
(D) Alternative route

8. The ancient ruins of the temple fascinated the archaeologists. What does “ancient” most likely mean?
(A) Modern
(B) Colorful
(C) Very old
(D) Beautiful

9. Despite being apprehensive about public speaking, she gave an excellent speech. What does “apprehensive” mean?
(A) Confident
(B) Nervous
(C) Proud
(D) Curious

10. He scribbled his name quickly before running out the door. What does “scribbled” most likely mean?
(A) Wrote neatly
(B) Drew a picture
(C) Wrote carelessly
(D) Erased

11. The ominous clouds gathered above, warning of an approaching storm. What does “ominous” most likely mean?
(A) Bright
(B) Encouraging
(C) Threatening
(D) Harmless

12. After the long hike, the travelers were parched and searched eagerly for water. What does “parched” mean?
(A) Excited
(B) Thirsty
(C) Lost
(D) Rested

13. Although the movie started out slowly, the climactic ending was exciting and unexpected. What does “climactic” mean?
(A) Boring
(B) Disappointing
(C) Most exciting
(D) Least important

14. The fragile vase shattered into pieces when it hit the ground. What does “fragile” most likely mean?
(A) Strong
(B) Heavy
(C) Breakable
(D) Large

15. The elated crowd cheered when the team scored the winning goal. What does “elated” mean?
(A) Angry
(B) Sad
(C) Extremely happy
(D) Bored

16. The detour sign redirected traffic around the closed road. What does “detour” mean?
(A) Shortcut
(B) New driver
(C) Police stop
(D) Alternative route

17. The ancient ruins of the temple fascinated the archaeologists. What does “ancient” most likely mean?
(A) Modern
(B) Colorful
(C) Very old
(D) Beautiful

18. Despite being apprehensive about public speaking, she gave an excellent speech. What does “apprehensive” mean?
(A) Confident
(B) Nervous
(C) Proud
(D) Curious

19. He scribbled his name quickly before running out the door. What does “scribbled” most likely mean?
(A) Wrote neatly
(B) Drew a picture
(C) Wrote carelessly
(D) Erased