Websink Prep UKKS2 English readingYear 6 chaptersEnglish reading textbooksYear 6Browse allPast papersFind a tutorBecome a tutor
SATs practice · Year 6Chapter 2 · Vocabulary in context
Year 6 · Chapter 2

Vocabulary in context

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Use the words around a word to work out what it means
  • Test each meaning of a word in the sentence before choosing one
  • Choose a synonym that keeps the meaning of the sentence
  • Explain a word in a short phrase, in your own words
  • Match words to meanings, and choose the word that fits a gap

You should already know

  • Using a dictionary to check a word (Year 4 reading)
  • Synonyms and antonyms (Year 4 vocabulary)

Where this leads

  • Inference: feelings, thoughts and motives (Chapter 3 of this book)
  • Language and structure: how the writer creates effects (Chapter 5 of this book)

KS2 SATs practice for reading (Year 6). Original questions in the style of the national tests. Content: Explain the meaning of an unfamiliar word from the words and sentence around it (Y5-6 reading, R4), Choose the meaning of a word that fits its context, when a word has more than one meaning (Y5-6 reading, R4), Find a word or phrase with the same meaning in context, and explain a word in your own words (Y5-6 reading, R4).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the word that means a word with the same meaning as another word. Write one word.
2
FWrite the word that means a word with the opposite meaning to another word. Write one word.
3
FWrite the word that means a book that gives the meanings of words, in alphabetical order. Write one word.
4
FWhich word is an adjective in The bright lamp flickered.? Write the word only.
5
FWrite the word that means a short phrase or sentence that explains what a word means. Write one word.
2.1

Using the words around a word

Year 6
Explain the meaning of an unfamiliar word from the words and sentence around it (Y5-6 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Using the words around a wordComing soon

This is practice material, not the official test.

Every text and question in this book was written for practice. It is not a real test paper, and the marks, the timing and the question types are a practice guide only.

Story. Nadia and her brother Sami explore a cave. Some of the words in the story are new, so read each sentence carefully and use its context to find the meaning.

Nadia and Sami explore a cave. Words to explain are in bold.

Nadia had been warned that the path to the Cave of Echoes was perilous. The rocks were loose, and a single slip could send a climber tumbling into the ravine below. Her brother Sami went first, testing each foothold with meticulous care.

Inside the cave, the air was cool and damp. Water dripped from the ceiling and landed in shallow pools that glistened in the torchlight. Every sound was magnified, so that a whisper seemed to reverberate from wall to wall.

‘Listen,’ whispered Sami. Nadia heard her own breath come back to her, faint and strange, as though somebody else were breathing in the dark.

They found an ancient carving of a bird on the wall. Its lines were worn almost smooth, yet the shape was still clear. Nadia traced it with her finger, feeling the sheltered hollow where the stone had kept the carving safe for centuries.

When they finally emerged into the daylight, Nadia’s legs were trembling. She had not expected to feel so triumphant, yet she grinned at Sami, who was already laughing.

The words around an unfamiliar word often give its meaning. Look for a clue in the same sentence or the sentence before, such as a description, an example, or a contrast with another idea.

Key ideas

  • Read the whole sentence, and the sentence before it, before you decide on a meaning.
  • Look for clues: a description, an example, a contrast, or the result of an action.
  • Check your meaning by putting it in place of the word in the sentence.
Worked example 2.1.1
What does perilous mean in this sentence? Nadia had been warned that the path to the Cave of Echoes was perilous.

Method. Find the clue in the words around the word, then give its meaning.

  1. Find the clue. The rocks are loose and a slip could send a climber falling.
    a single slip could send a climber tumbling
  2. Give the meaning. A path with a risk of falling is dangerous.
    dangerous
  3. Check the meaning. Dangerous fits the path with the loose rocks.
    dangerous
  4. Write the answer.
    dangerous

Check. Dangerous fits the clue. ✓

Worked example 2.1.2
What does glistened mean in this sentence? Pools that glistened in the torchlight.

Method. Look at what the pools are and what the light does.

  1. Find the clue. The pools are wet, and the torchlight falls on them.
    pools in the torchlight
  2. Give the meaning. Wet pools in torchlight reflect the light, so they shine.
    shone with a wet shine
  3. Check the meaning. The meaning fits the picture of the cave.
    shone with a wet shine
  4. Write the answer.
    shone with a wet shine

Check. The meaning fits the cave. ✓

Worked example 2.1.3
What does sediment mean in this sentence? Sediment is tiny grains of mud and sand, and it can block the sunlight that the coral needs.

Method. The sentence gives the meaning directly, after the word.

  1. Find the word. Sediment is the word that is explained.
    Sediment is
  2. Find the explanation. The sentence explains it as tiny grains of mud and sand.
    tiny grains of mud and sand
  3. Check the meaning. Mud and sand are the things that wash into the sea.
    tiny grains of mud and sand
  4. Write the answer.
    tiny grains of mud and sand

Check. The text gives the meaning. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: the first meaning you know for a word is not always the right one. Check the words around it.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read a sentence with a bold word, cover the word, and say what the sentence would need.

Exercise 2A  Practice: the words around a word

1
FWhat does perilous mean in this sentence: the path to the Cave of Echoes was perilous. The rocks were loose, and a single slip could send a climber tumbling Choose one: safe and easy / dangerous and risky / long and tiring.
2
FWhat does meticulous mean in this sentence: testing each foothold with meticulous care Choose one: careless and hurried / very careful and precise / loud and noisy.
3
FWhat does glistened mean in this sentence: pools that glistened in the torchlight Choose one: shone with a wet shine / grew dark and cold / turned into ice.
4
FWhat does reverberate mean in this sentence: a whisper seemed to reverberate from wall to wall Choose one: fade away quickly / echo again and again / grow louder and louder.
5
FWhat does faint mean in this sentence: Nadia heard her own breath come back to her, faint and strange Choose one: very loud / quiet and weak / bright and clear.
6
FWhat does emerged mean in this sentence: When they finally emerged into the daylight Choose one: came out of / went back into / fell asleep in.
7
FWhat does triumphant mean in this sentence: She had not expected to feel so triumphant, yet she grinned at Sami Choose one: sad and lonely / proud after success / angry and upset.
8
FWhat does diverse mean in this sentence: some of the most diverse habitats on Earth Choose one: very dull and plain / varied, with many kinds of life / very small.
9
FWhat does vital mean in this sentence: a vital source of food and income for many coastal communities Choose one: very important / very small / very dangerous.
10
FWhat does sediment mean in this sentence: Sediment is tiny grains of mud and sand Choose one: tiny grains of mud and sand / a kind of coral / warm sea water.
11
PSWhat does monitor mean in this sentence: Scientists keep watch on reefs to monitor their health Choose one: check regularly / ignore / destroy.
12
RWhat does bleaching mean in this sentence: the coral can turn white. This is called bleaching Choose one: losing colour so it turns white / a way of cleaning the sea / a kind of fish.
2.2

Choosing the meaning that fits the sentence

Year 6
Choose the meaning of a word that fits its context, when a word has more than one meaning (Y5-6 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Choosing the meaning that fits the sentenceComing soon
Story. Ravi is writing short notes about things he saw during the day. Some of his words can mean more than one thing, so the sentence decides which meaning is right.

Six short sentences

The bat flew out of the cave at dusk.

Ravi swung the bat and hit the ball over the fence.

The lamp gave off a dim light.

The box was light enough for Ravi to carry.

A fair was held in the park.

The referee was fair to both teams.

Many words have more than one meaning. Bat can be an animal or a sports club. Light can mean bright or not heavy. Fair can mean a fun event or just and equal. Test each meaning in the sentence, and choose the one that fits.

Key ideas

  • A word can have more than one meaning.
  • The other words in the sentence decide which meaning is right.
  • Put each meaning in the sentence, and choose the one that makes sense.
Worked example 2.2.1
What does bat mean in this sentence? The bat flew out of the cave at dusk. Choose the meaning.

Method. Test each meaning in the sentence.

  1. Read the sentence. Something flew out of a cave.
    flew out of the cave
  2. Test the meanings. A club cannot fly, but a small animal can.
    a small flying animal
  3. Choose the meaning. A small flying animal fits the sentence.
    a small flying animal
  4. Write the answer.
    a small flying animal

Check. Only the animal meaning fits flying. ✓

Worked example 2.2.2
What does light mean in this sentence? The box was light enough for Ravi to carry.

Method. Test each meaning of light against the words enough and carry.

  1. Read the clue. The box can be carried by Ravi.
    enough for Ravi to carry
  2. Test the meanings. Bright does not fit; not heavy fits being carried.
    not heavy
  3. Choose the meaning. The box is not heavy, so it is light.
    not heavy
  4. Write the answer.
    not heavy

Check. Not heavy fits the carrying. ✓

Worked example 2.2.3
What does fair mean in this sentence? A fair was held in the park.

Method. Test the meanings of fair against held in the park.

  1. Read the clue. The fair is held in a park, so it is an event.
    held in the park
  2. Test the meanings. Just and equal does not fit an event that is held.
    just and equal
  3. Choose the meaning. A fun event with rides and stalls fits.
    a fun event with rides and stalls
  4. Write the answer.
    a fun event with rides and stalls

Check. The event meaning fits held. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: do not choose the first meaning you know. Test each one in the sentence before you decide.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to make up a second sentence for a word with two meanings, and to show which meaning it uses.

Exercise 2B  Practice: choosing the meaning that fits

1
FWhat does bat mean in this sentence: The bat flew out of the cave at dusk. Choose one: a small flying animal / a wooden club for hitting a ball / a flat piece of wood.
2
FWhat does bat mean in this sentence: Ravi swung the bat and hit the ball over the fence. Choose one: a small flying animal / a wooden club for hitting a ball / a type of shoe.
3
FWhat does light mean in this sentence: The lamp gave off a dim light. Choose one: not heavy / brightness that lets us see / pale in colour.
4
FWhat does light mean in this sentence: The box was light enough for Ravi to carry. Choose one: bright and shiny / not heavy / easy to lose.
5
FWhat does fair mean in this sentence: A fair was held in the park. Choose one: just and equal / a fun event with rides and stalls / a pale blond colour.
6
FWhat does fair mean in this sentence: The referee was fair to both teams. Choose one: a fun event with rides and stalls / just and equal / light and bright.
7
FWhat does exhausted mean in this sentence: I was so exhausted after the hike that I fell asleep before supper Choose one: very tired / very hungry / very cold.
8
FWhat does breathtaking mean in this sentence: the view from the summit was breathtaking Choose one: very tiring / very beautiful and amazing / very dark.
9
PSWhat does insisted mean in this sentence: Dad insisted that we rest for a while Choose one: asked politely if we could / said firmly that we must / forgot to mention it.
10
PSWhat does sore mean in this sentence: My feet were sore Choose one: hurting and tender / clean and dry / strong and fit.
11
RWhat does bat mean in this sentence: Ravi swung the bat and hit the ball over the fence. Choose one: a small flying animal / a wooden club / a type of shoe.
12
RWhat does fair mean in this sentence: The referee was fair to both teams. Choose one: an event for families / treating both teams equally / a light-coloured sky.
2.3

Finding a word with the same meaning

Year 6
Find a word or phrase with the same meaning in context (Y5-6 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Finding a word with the same meaningComing soon
Story. A parent reads a sign on the canal path, and a diary written after a walk. Each word can be replaced by a word with the same meaning.

A sign on the canal path. Words to explain are in bold.

CANAL PATH CLOSED. The towpath is obstructed by fallen branches. Please use the alternative route through the park.

Walkers and cyclists are advised to take care near the bridge.

An extract from a diary about a walk. Words to explain are in bold.

Today I was so exhausted after the hike that I fell asleep before supper. My feet were sore, but the view from the summit was breathtaking. We ate sandwiches on a boulder, and Dad insisted that we rest for a while.

A synonym has the same meaning as another word, in this sentence. The new word must fit the sentence, and it must keep the same meaning.

Key ideas

  • A synonym must fit the whole sentence, not only the single word.
  • Read the sentence with your new word in place, and check it still makes sense.
  • Some words have several synonyms; any one that keeps the meaning is right.
Worked example 2.3.1
Write one word that could replace glistened in this sentence: Pools that glistened in the torchlight.

Method. Find a word with the same meaning as glistened in this sentence.

  1. Find the meaning. Glistened means shone with a wet shine.
    shone with a wet shine
  2. Choose a word that fits. Shone is a word for giving out light.
    shone
  3. Check the sentence. Pools that shone in the torchlight still makes sense.
    Pools that shone in the torchlight
  4. Write the answer.
    shone

Check. Shone keeps the meaning. ✓

Worked example 2.3.2
Write one word that could replace sheltered in this sentence: the sheltered hollow where the stone had kept the carving safe.

Method. Find a word with the same meaning as sheltered.

  1. Find the meaning. Sheltered means covered or kept safe from weather.
    kept safe
  2. Choose a word that fits. Protected means kept safe from harm or weather.
    protected
  3. Check the sentence. The protected hollow where the stone kept the carving safe still makes sense.
    protected hollow
  4. Write the answer.
    protected

Check. Protected keeps the meaning. ✓

Worked example 2.3.3
Write one word that could replace advised in this sentence: Walkers and cyclists are advised to take care near the bridge.

Method. Find a word that means told or recommended to do something.

  1. Find the meaning. Advised means told that something is a good idea.
    told
  2. Choose a word that fits. Warned means told to be careful.
    warned
  3. Check the sentence. Walkers are warned to take care near the bridge, which still makes sense.
    warned to take care
  4. Write the answer.
    warned

Check. Warned keeps the meaning. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a word that means the same in one sentence may not fit another. Check it in the sentence.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to say a synonym for a word in a sentence, and then to read the sentence with the new word to check it.

Exercise 2C  Practice: finding a word with the same meaning

1
FWrite one word that could replace perilous in this sentence, without changing its meaning: the path to the Cave of Echoes was perilous
2
FWrite one word that could replace glistened in this sentence, without changing its meaning: pools that glistened in the torchlight
3
FWrite one word that could replace emerged in this sentence, without changing its meaning: When they finally emerged into the daylight
4
FWrite one word that could replace sheltered in this sentence, without changing its meaning: feeling the sheltered hollow where the stone had kept the carving safe
5
FWrite one word that could replace faint in this sentence, without changing its meaning: Nadia heard her own breath come back to her, faint and strange
6
FWrite one word that could replace diverse in this sentence, without changing its meaning: the most diverse habitats on Earth
7
FWrite one word that could replace vital in this sentence, without changing its meaning: a vital source of food and income
8
FWrite one word that could replace monitor in this sentence, without changing its meaning: Scientists keep watch on reefs to monitor their health
9
PSWrite one word that could replace sediment in this sentence, without changing its meaning: Heavy rain can wash sediment from the land into the sea
10
FWrite one word that could replace obstructed in this sentence, without changing its meaning: The towpath is obstructed by fallen branches
11
FWrite one word that could replace alternative in this sentence, without changing its meaning: Please use the alternative route through the park
12
PSWrite one word that could replace advised in this sentence, without changing its meaning: Walkers and cyclists are advised to take care near the bridge
13
FWrite one word that could replace exhausted in this sentence, without changing its meaning: I was so exhausted after the hike
14
PSWrite one word that could replace breathtaking in this sentence, without changing its meaning: the view from the summit was breathtaking
15
RWrite one word that could replace insisted in this sentence, without changing its meaning: Dad insisted that we rest for a while
16
RWrite one word that could replace perilous in this sentence, without changing its meaning: a single slip could send a climber tumbling into the ravine below
2.4

Explaining a word in your own words

Year 6
Explain the meaning of a word in a short phrase, in your own words (Y5-6 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Explaining a word in your own wordsComing soon
Story. Sami and Nadia are describing the cave to their grandmother. They want to explain the new words in short phrases, without copying the whole sentence.

Nadia and Sami explore a cave. Words to explain are in bold.

Nadia had been warned that the path to the Cave of Echoes was perilous. The rocks were loose, and a single slip could send a climber tumbling into the ravine below. Her brother Sami went first, testing each foothold with meticulous care.

Inside the cave, the air was cool and damp. Water dripped from the ceiling and landed in shallow pools that glistened in the torchlight. Every sound was magnified, so that a whisper seemed to reverberate from wall to wall.

‘Listen,’ whispered Sami. Nadia heard her own breath come back to her, faint and strange, as though somebody else were breathing in the dark.

They found an ancient carving of a bird on the wall. Its lines were worn almost smooth, yet the shape was still clear. Nadia traced it with her finger, feeling the sheltered hollow where the stone had kept the carving safe for centuries.

When they finally emerged into the daylight, Nadia’s legs were trembling. She had not expected to feel so triumphant, yet she grinned at Sami, who was already laughing.

An information text about coral reefs. Words to explain are in bold.

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse habitats on Earth. Each reef is built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which join together in colonies. Over many years, their hard skeletons build up into huge structures that shelter fish, sponges and turtles.

Coral reefs need warm, clear and shallow water. Sunlight reaches the coral, and tiny plants live inside the polyps’ bodies, giving them energy and colour. If the water becomes too warm, the polyps may expel these plants, and the coral can turn white. This is called bleaching.

Heavy rain can wash sediment from the land into the sea. Sediment is tiny grains of mud and sand, and it can block the sunlight that the coral needs. For this reason, many places protect the reefs by limiting boats, fishing and pollution near the coast.

A healthy reef is also a vital source of food and income for many coastal communities. Scientists keep watch on reefs to monitor their health, so that problems are spotted early.

To explain a word, find the clue in the sentence, and then say what the word means in your own words. A short phrase is enough: you do not need a full sentence.

Key ideas

  • Find the clue in the sentence, then explain the word in your own words.
  • A short phrase is enough, such as a few words that give the same meaning.
  • Do not copy the whole sentence back. Give the meaning.
Worked example 2.4.1
Explain in your own words what reverberate means: a whisper seemed to reverberate from wall to wall.

Method. Use the clue in the sentence, and explain the meaning in your own words.

  1. Find the clue. A whisper moves from wall to wall.
    from wall to wall
  2. Explain the meaning. The sound bounces back from each wall, so it is heard again.
    bounces back
  3. Check the meaning. The explanation fits a sound in a cave.
    the sound bounces off the walls
  4. Write the answer.
    the sound bounces off the walls and echoes

Check. The explanation fits the sentence. ✓

Worked example 2.4.2
Explain in your own words what insisted means: Dad insisted that we rest for a while.

Method. Use the clue in the sentence, and explain the meaning in your own words.

  1. Find the clue. Dad says they must rest for a while.
    that we rest
  2. Explain the meaning. Dad would not let them go on, so he said it firmly.
    said it firmly
  3. Check the meaning. The explanation fits the sentence.
    said firmly that they must rest
  4. Write the answer.
    said firmly that they must do it

Check. The explanation fits the clue. ✓

Worked example 2.4.3
Explain in your own words what worn means: Its lines were worn almost smooth.

Method. Use the clue in the sentence, and explain the meaning in your own words.

  1. Find the clue. The lines were almost smooth, though the shape is still clear.
    almost smooth
  2. Explain the meaning. Lines are smooth when they have been rubbed over a long time.
    rubbed over a long time
  3. Check the meaning. The explanation fits a very old carving.
    rubbed smooth over a long time
  4. Write the answer.
    rubbed smooth over a long time

Check. The explanation fits the carving. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: an explanation must give the meaning, not repeat the word. Do not say that reverberate means reverberating.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask your child to explain a new word to you as if you had never heard it, in one short phrase.

Exercise 2D  Practice: explaining a word

1
FExplain what reverberate means in this sentence, in your own words: a whisper seemed to reverberate from wall to wall
2
FExplain what glistened means in this sentence, in your own words: pools that glistened in the torchlight
3
FExplain what worn means in this sentence, in your own words: Its lines were worn almost smooth
4
FExplain what meticulous means in this sentence, in your own words: testing each foothold with meticulous care
5
PSExplain what faint means in this sentence, in your own words: Nadia heard her own breath come back to her, faint and strange
6
PSExplain what bleaching means in this sentence, in your own words: the coral can turn white. This is called bleaching
7
PSExplain what insisted means in this sentence, in your own words: Dad insisted that we rest for a while
8
RExplain what breathtaking means in this sentence, in your own words: the view from the summit was breathtaking
9
RExplain what obstructed means in this sentence, in your own words: The towpath is obstructed by fallen branches
2.5

Matching words to meanings, and filling gaps

Year 6
Choose the word that fits a gap, and match words to meanings in context (Y5-6 reading, R4)
Video lesson: Matching words to meanings, and filling gapsComing soon
Story. Ravi and his grandmother read the canal sign and the coral text together. They match the bold words to their meanings, and they fill the gaps in some sentences.

An information text about coral reefs. Words to explain are in bold.

Coral reefs are some of the most diverse habitats on Earth. Each reef is built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which join together in colonies. Over many years, their hard skeletons build up into huge structures that shelter fish, sponges and turtles.

Coral reefs need warm, clear and shallow water. Sunlight reaches the coral, and tiny plants live inside the polyps’ bodies, giving them energy and colour. If the water becomes too warm, the polyps may expel these plants, and the coral can turn white. This is called bleaching.

Heavy rain can wash sediment from the land into the sea. Sediment is tiny grains of mud and sand, and it can block the sunlight that the coral needs. For this reason, many places protect the reefs by limiting boats, fishing and pollution near the coast.

A healthy reef is also a vital source of food and income for many coastal communities. Scientists keep watch on reefs to monitor their health, so that problems are spotted early.

A sign on the canal path. Words to explain are in bold.

CANAL PATH CLOSED. The towpath is obstructed by fallen branches. Please use the alternative route through the park.

Walkers and cyclists are advised to take care near the bridge.

When you match words to meanings, check each pair in the sentence where the word is used. When you fill a gap, read the whole sentence with each word in place, and choose the word that makes the meaning right.

Key ideas

  • Check each pair against the sentence where the word appears.
  • Read the whole sentence with the word in the gap, and check the meaning.
  • Every word has one best match in the text; use the text, not what you guess.
Worked example 2.5.1
Write the word that fits the gap, which means blocked: The towpath is ___ by fallen branches.

Method. Find the word that means blocked, and check it fits the sentence.

  1. Read the gap. The gap needs a word that means blocked.
    The towpath is ___ by fallen branches
  2. Test the word. Obstructed means blocked, and it fits the gap.
    obstructed
  3. Check the sentence. The towpath is obstructed by fallen branches makes sense.
    obstructed by fallen branches
  4. Write the answer.
    obstructed

Check. Obstructed fits the meaning. ✓

Worked example 2.5.2
Write the word that fits the gap: Heavy rain can wash ___ from the land into the sea. It means grains of mud and sand.

Method. Find the word that means grains of mud and sand.

  1. Read the gap. The gap needs a word for mud and sand carried by water.
    wash ___ from the land
  2. Test the word. Sediment is tiny grains of mud and sand.
    sediment
  3. Check the sentence. Heavy rain can wash sediment from the land into the sea.
    wash sediment from the land
  4. Write the answer.
    sediment

Check. Sediment fits the meaning. ✓

Worked example 2.5.3
Match each word to its meaning: perilous and triumphant. Meanings: A proud after success; B very dangerous.

Method. Find the meaning of each word in the text.

  1. Find perilous. The path with loose rocks is very dangerous.
    perilous = B
  2. Find triumphant. Nadia feels proud after the adventure.
    triumphant = A
  3. Write the pairs. Each word has one meaning in the text.
    perilous = B; triumphant = A
  4. Write the answer.
    1 = B; 2 = A

Check. Each pair fits the text. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: two words can seem to match one meaning. Each word must be matched once, and each meaning used once.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Cover the meanings and ask your child to say which one matches each word, before they look again.

Exercise 2E  Practice: matching and filling gaps

1
FChoose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: The towpath is ___ by fallen branches. Choose one: alternative / advised / obstructed.
2
FChoose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: Heavy rain can wash ___ from the land into the sea. Choose one: sediment / polyps / bleaching.
3
FChoose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: Water dripped into shallow pools that ___ in the torchlight. Choose one: glistened / perilous / emerged.
4
FChoose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: Dad ___ that we rest for a while. Choose one: insisted / emerged / sheltered.
5
FChoose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: A ___ source of food and income helps many coastal communities. Choose one: vital / diverse / monitor.
6
FMatch each word to its meaning. Write the letter next to each number. 1. perilous, 2. glistened, 3. emerged, 4. triumphant. Meanings: A came out of; B very dangerous; C shone with a wet shine; D proud after success.
7
FMatch each word to its meaning. Write the letter next to each number. 1. diverse, 2. bleaching, 3. vital, 4. monitor. Meanings: A check regularly; B very important; C varied, with many kinds of life; D losing colour and turning white.
8
PSMatch each word to its meaning. Write the letter next to each number. 1. exhausted, 2. obstructed, 3. advised, 4. alternative. Meanings: A warned or told to; B very tired; C another, different; D blocked.
9
PSChoose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: Scientists keep watch on reefs to ___ their health. Choose one: monitor / bleach / shelter.
10
RChoose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: The box was ___ enough for Ravi to carry. Choose one: heavy / light / bright.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Use the words aroundLook for a clue in the same sentence or the one before: a description, an example, a contrast or a result.
Choose the fitting meaningTest each meaning in the sentence; the first meaning you think of may not fit.
Find a synonymChoose a word with the same meaning in this sentence, and read the sentence to check it.
Explain in your own wordsGive the meaning in a short phrase; do not copy the whole sentence back.
Match and fill gapsCheck each pair against the sentence where the word is used; read the whole sentence with the word in place.

Can you…?

  • I can use the words around an unfamiliar word to work out its meaning
  • I can test each meaning of a word in the sentence and choose the one that fits
  • I can find a synonym that keeps the meaning of the sentence
  • I can explain a word in a short phrase, in my own words
  • I can match words to meanings, and choose the word that fits a gap

Key terms

context
the words and sentences around a word that help to show its meaning
synonym
a word that has the same meaning as another word
antonym
a word that has the opposite meaning to another word
clue
a word or phrase that helps you work out the meaning of another word
definition
a statement of what a word means
obstructed
blocked, so that a path cannot be used easily
sediment
tiny grains of mud and sand carried by water

Exercise 2Z  Check-up

1
What does perilous mean in this sentence: a single slip could send a climber tumbling into the ravine below Choose one: safe and easy / dangerous / long.
2
What does sore mean in this sentence: My feet were sore Choose one: hurting / clean / strong.
3
What does alternative mean in this sentence: Please use the alternative route through the park Choose one: a different one / a closed one / a shorter one.
4
Write one word that could replace exhausted in this sentence, without changing its meaning: Today I was so exhausted
5
Choose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: Each reef is built by tiny animals called coral ___. Choose one: polyps / sediment / bleaching.
6
Choose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: The ___ were loose, and a single slip could send a climber tumbling. Choose one: loose / vital / shallow.
7
Choose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: I was so ___ after the hike that I fell asleep before supper. Choose one: exhausted / sore / insisted.
8
Choose the word that fits the gap, using the meaning of the sentence: Walkers and cyclists are ___ to take care near the bridge. Choose one: advised / obstructed / alternative.
9
Write one word that could replace vital in this sentence, without changing its meaning: a vital source of food and income
10
Explain what sheltered means in this sentence, in your own words: feeling the sheltered hollow where the stone had kept the carving safe

Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.

Exercise 2X  Practice test questions

1
FA text says: Water dripped from the ceiling and landed in shallow pools that glistened in the torchlight. Write one word that means the same as glistened in this sentence.[1 mark]
2
FA text says: The path to the Cave of Echoes was perilous. Write one word that means the same as perilous in this sentence.[1 mark]
3
FA text says: a whisper seemed to reverberate from wall to wall. What does reverberate mean in this sentence? Choose one: fade away quickly / echo again and again / grow louder and louder.[1 mark]
4
FA text says: The bat flew out of the cave at dusk. What does bat mean in this sentence? Choose one: a small flying animal / a wooden club for hitting a ball / a flat piece of wood.[1 mark]
5
FExplain what sheltered means in this sentence, in your own words: feeling the sheltered hollow where the stone had kept the carving safe for centuries[2 marks]
6
FExplain what exhausted means in this sentence, in your own words: Today I was so exhausted after the hike that I fell asleep before supper[2 marks]
7
FA text says: a vital source of food and income, and Scientists keep watch on reefs to monitor their health. Match each word to its meaning. Word 1: vital. Word 2: monitor. Meanings: A check regularly; B very important. Write the answer as 1 = ..., 2 = ....[2 marks]
8
FA sign says: The towpath is ___ by fallen branches. Write the word that fits the gap, which means blocked.[1 mark]
9
FA text says: A healthy reef is also a vital source of food and income for many coastal communities. Write one word with the same meaning as vital in this sentence.[1 mark]
10
RA text says: Sediment is tiny grains of mud and sand, and it can block the sunlight that the coral needs. Explain in your own words what sediment is, and say why it harms the coral.[3 marks]
← Chapter 1: Finding information in a textChapter 3: Inference: feelings, thoughts and motives →

Websink Prep UK is an independent site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, SQA, GL Assessment, CEM or the Department for Education. All exam board names and trademarks belong to their owners. Past papers are linked from the exam boards' own websites and are not hosted here.

About Websink Prep UK · Find a tutor · Privacy · Terms · Cookie settings