Academic and Domain-Specific Word Meanings - 5th Grade Reading

1. Which meaning of "table" fits this sentence: "The data table shows rainfall by month"?

   A chart that organizes information in rows and columns. Not furniture, but a data display tool in this context.

2. Which context clue type uses a meaning stated directly, often with "is" or "means"?

   Definition clue. The text explicitly states what the word means.

3. What does the prefix "re-" mean in words such as "rebuild"?

   Again. Indicates repetition or doing something over.

4. Choose the best meaning of "habitat" in this sentence: "The frog's habitat includes ponds and wet grasslands."

   The natural home of an organism. Examples (ponds, grasslands) define where frogs live.

5. What does the prefix "un-" mean in words such as "unhappy"?

   Not; the opposite of. This prefix reverses or negates the base word.

6. What does the domain-specific social studies word "legislative" mean?

   Related to making laws. Refers to the branch of government that creates laws.

7. What does the domain-specific social studies word "migration" mean?

   Movement of people or animals from one place to another. Can be seasonal, permanent, or for specific purposes.

8. What does the general academic word "analyze" mean in an informational text?

   To examine parts closely to understand how they work together. Breaking down complex ideas helps reveal relationships between parts.

9. Which context clue type uses examples, often signaled by "such as" or "for example"?

   Example clue. Specific instances help clarify the general term.

10. What is a root word (base), and why is it useful for understanding unfamiliar words?

    The core meaning part; it helps you infer meaning across related words. Base words carry meaning to their word family.

11. What is a prefix, and how does it help you determine a word's meaning?

    A word part at the beginning that changes meaning. Prefixes modify the base word's meaning.

12. Which context clue type uses similar words to hint at meaning (a synonym nearby)?

    Synonym clue. A word with similar meaning provides the definition.

13. Choose the best meaning of "evaporation" in this sentence: "Evaporation turns liquid water into water vapor."

    The process of liquid changing into gas. Definition clue directly explains the scientific term.

14. What does the domain-specific math word "numerator" mean in a fraction?

    The top number showing how many parts are counted. In $\frac{3}{4}$, the 3 tells us we have three parts.

15. Choose the best meaning of "conclude" in this sentence: "After the data, scientists conclude the plant needs more light."

    Decide based on evidence. Context shows scientists making a judgment from data.

16. What does the context clue strategy mean when you determine a word's meaning in a passage?

    Use nearby words and sentences to infer the word's meaning. Look at surrounding text for hints about unfamiliar words.

17. What does the general academic word "contrast" mean in a nonfiction text?

    To show how two things are different. Highlights differences rather than similarities between items.

18. What does the domain-specific science word "evaporation" mean?

    Liquid changing into water vapor (gas). Water molecules gain energy and escape as invisible vapor.

19. What does the domain-specific math word "denominator" mean in a fraction?

    The bottom number showing total equal parts in the whole. In $\frac{3}{4}$, the 4 means the whole is divided into fourths.

20. What does the suffix "-less" mean in words such as "careless"?

    Without. Creates adjectives meaning 'lacking' something.

21. What is a suffix, and how does it help you determine a word's meaning?

    A word part at the end that changes meaning or part of speech. Suffixes alter meaning and grammatical function.

22. Choose the meaning of "scale" in this sentence: "The map scale shows 1 inch equals 10 miles."

    A measurement ratio that shows distances on a map. Not weighing device, but proportion tool for map reading.

23. Choose the best meaning of "significant" in this sentence: "A significant change in rainfall affected crops."

    Important. Context shows the change had a major impact on crops.

24. What does the general academic word "significant" mean in a nonfiction passage?

    Important; having a major effect or meaning. Indicates something noteworthy that impacts understanding.

25. What does the domain-specific science word "adaptation" mean in life science?

    A trait that helps an organism survive in its environment. Evolution produces features that increase survival chances.

26. What does the suffix "-tion" usually signal in words such as "pollution"?

    A noun meaning an act, process, or result. Forms nouns from verbs, showing action or state.

27. What does the general academic word "interpret" mean in an informational text?

    To explain the meaning of information or evidence. Goes beyond literal meaning to understand deeper significance.

28. What does the general academic word "evidence" mean in an informational text?

    Facts or details that support a point or answer. Proof strengthens arguments and validates claims in texts.

29. Which context clue type shows an opposite meaning using signal words like "but" or "however"?

    Contrast (antonym) clue. Signal words introduce an opposite to reveal meaning.

30. What does the suffix "-ful" mean in words such as "helpful"?

    Full of; having. Creates adjectives meaning 'characterized by.'

31. Which meaning of "volume" fits this sentence: "The volume of the container is 2 liters"?

    The amount of space an object or container can hold. Not sound level, but three-dimensional capacity measurement.

32. What does the domain-specific science word "habitat" mean?

    The natural home of a plant or animal. Includes all living and non-living factors in an organism's area.

33. What does the general academic word "summarize" mean in informational reading?

    To state the main ideas briefly in your own words. Captures essential points while removing unnecessary details.

34. What does the domain-specific science word "condensation" mean?

    Gas cooling and changing into liquid droplets. Water vapor loses energy and forms visible water droplets.

35. What does the general academic word "infer" mean when reading an article?

    To figure out meaning using clues and what you already know. Readers combine context clues with prior knowledge to draw conclusions.

36. Identify the meaning of "draft" in this sentence: "She revised the first draft of her report."

    An early version of writing that is not final. Not air current, but preliminary version needing revision.

37. Identify the meaning of "predict" using word parts: "pre-" + "dict." What does it mean?

    To say or tell before; to guess what will happen. Pre- (before) + dict (say) = forecast or foretell.

38. What does the general academic word "conclude" mean after reading a passage?

    To decide something based on evidence from the text. Drawing final judgments requires analyzing textual support.

39. What does the prefix "pre-" mean in words such as "preview"?

    Before. Indicates something happens earlier in time.

Study these flashcards