Grade 7 ELA: Word Finding Strategies

Word Finding Strategies

Read each question carefully and use your knowledge of word finding strategies to answer. This includes using context clues, knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and root words, and consulting reference materials.

Read each sentence. Use the context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word. Write your answer on the blank.

1. The ancient scrolls were so   that experts had to handle them with extreme care to prevent them from crumbling.

2. During the severe drought, the usually lush fields became   and barren, making it difficult for crops to grow.

3. Her   nature meant she always looked for the good in people, even when others were quick to judge.

Choose the best meaning for the underlined word, using your knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and root words.

4. The scientist conducted an experiment to   the previous findings.

5. The   student always participated actively in class discussions.

6. You encounter the word "ubiquitous" in a text and are unsure of its meaning. Describe two different reference materials you could use to find its definition and how you would use them.

Determine if the following statements are true or false.

7. A thesaurus is primarily used to find the definition of a word.

8. Understanding common prefixes like 'un-' or 're-' can help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Match the word-finding strategy with its description.

12. Read the following sentence: "The ancient manuscript was so   that historians spent years trying to decipher its faded script." Choose a word that would fit logically in the blank, and explain which word-finding strategy you used to determine your answer.