Context Clues Practice

Many charities ask for donations through the mail. Some advertise on TV. Some purchase billboards. However, one tried-and-true fundraising method is to hold a banquet. Having a lavish, expensive meal in honor of a cause is a great way to get people to open their wallets.

What does banquet mean?

No matter the challenges laid before him, President Obama remained an optimist. He was a person who always hoped for the best. He was a person who believed that good would win out over evil.

What does optimist mean?

Ed’s speech was moving. He said that the world needed more acts of

compassion. He said that it had been too long since he had seen someone feed a hungry stranger. People used to volunteer their time to read to the elderly and to needy children, but it was rare these days.

What does compassion mean?

During this period, many Americans were flocking to urban areas to find factory work. Places like Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia were already big, but they grew even larger.

What does urban mean?

Those without good “people skills” seldom succeed in management positions. Basically, they rarely build strong relationships with the people who work for them, and these relationships are important for everyone’s success.

What does seldom mean?

The North tried many different strategies during the Civil War. One was to sever the South’s access to important supplies. Their hope was to cut off the Confederates from ammunition, weapons, and food.

What does sever mean?

France has had a hostile relationship with many countries throughout its history. Germany is just one. France’s relationship with Switzerland, on the other hand, has always been very friendly.

What does hostile mean?

Modern communication has become more complicated. In a text or an email, it can be hard to tell if someone is being serious or jesting. If you’re not sure, assume that the person is being serious.

What does jesting mean?