Context Clues for Middle Schoolers | Baamboozle - Baamboozle

The weather was so dismal that the soccer game felt endless — gray clouds hung low, and rain drizzled nonstop. What does dismal mean?

gloomy or depressing

Jasper worked in meticulous detail, lining up each photograph exactly two inches apart on the poster board. Not a single edge was crooked. What does meticulous mean?

very careful and precise

The artist’s painting looked realistic from a distance but abstract up close. What does realistic mean?

lifelike or resembling reality

The mayor’s decision to close the park was controversial, sparking heated debates across town. What does controversial mean?

disagreement

The mystery novel was so intriguing that he couldn’t put it down until the last page. What does intriguing mean?

fascinating or interesting

Her friends admired her resilience—no matter what challenges she faced, she always bounced back. What does resilience mean?

ability to recover quickly

The argument grew louder until the teacher’s calm voice helped diffuse the tension. What does diffuse mean?

spread out or lessen

The old building had an eerie stillness, as if time itself had stopped. What does eerie mean?

strange and unsettling

His generosity surprised everyone—he gave away most of his prize money to charity. What does generosity mean?

willingness to give or share

The crowd waited in anticipation as the curtain slowly rose on the stage. What does anticipation mean?

excitement about something expected

The teacher’s explanation helped clarify the confusing directions on the worksheet. What does clarify mean?

make clear or easier to understand

After months of training, her ambition to make the soccer team finally became reality. What does ambition mean?

strong desire to achieve something

He tried to sound confident, but his uncertain tone gave away his nerves. What does uncertain mean?

unsure or doubtful

The plan sounded simple at first, but once they began, they realized it was far more elaborate than expected. What does elaborate mean?

detailed or complicated

The hallway fell silent when the new student entered. His peculiar outfit made everyone turn and stare. What does peculiar mean?

strange or unusual

The scientist remained persistent, working late every night despite repeated failures. Eventually, her invention changed how people lived. What does persistent mean?

determined; never giving up

She hesitated at the starting line, her hands trembling slightly. Though she felt reluctant, she knew this race was her chance to prove herself. What does the word reluctant mean?

unwilling, hesitant