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Grade 3 · Reading · Vocabulary

3rd Grade Context Clues worksheets

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Context Clues

Grade 3 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer.

  1. "Jay was reluctant to jump into the cold lake. He stood on the dock for ten minutes." What does reluctant mean?

    • not wanting to do it
    • not able to swim
    • too tired to move
    • excited to try it
  2. "Water was scarce in the desert, so the travelers shared every drop." What does scarce mean?

    • hard to find
    • safe to drink
    • full of sand
    • very cold
  3. "Nora would usually hesitate before diving, but today she jumped in without stopping to think." Which words help you know what hesitate means?

    • Nora would usually
    • stopping to think
    • before diving
    • today she jumped
  4. "My sister is careful on her bike, but Leo is reckless on his." What kind of clue helps you know what reckless means?

    • a synonym
    • an example
    • a definition
    • an opposite
  5. "The current pulled our canoe quickly down the river." Which meaning of current fits this sentence?

    • happening right now
    • a path left by a boat
    • water moving one way
    • a flow of electricity
  6. Which sentence uses the word cautious correctly?

    • The cautious driver slowed down on the icy road.
    • The cautious boy ran across the busy street without looking.
    • Being cautious, she touched the hot stove to test it.
    • The cautious cat leaped into the river without a pause.
  7. "The forest animals vanished when the storm began. Soon not one could be seen." What does vanished mean?

    • went out of sight
    • became frightened
    • ran in circles
    • grew very quiet
  8. "The pumpkin was enormous. It took three grown-ups to lift it onto the farm truck." Which words help you know what enormous means?

    • onto the farm truck
    • It took
    • The pumpkin was
    • three grown-ups to lift it
  9. "Mom grows herbs, such as basil, mint, and parsley, in pots by the window." What kind of clue helps you know what herbs means?

    • an opposite
    • a synonym
    • a definition
    • an example
  10. "The trail was treacherous. Loose rocks and slick mud made every step risky." What does treacherous mean?

    • very long and winding
    • crowded with people
    • full of danger
    • covered in flowers
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3rd Grade Context Clues worksheet 1 – printable PDF
Download PDF: 123456

About this worksheet

Context clues help readers figure out an unfamiliar word without stopping every time to ask an adult. Third graders often look only at the unknown word and guess from its sound, but the helpful information is usually nearby. A sentence might define the word, give a word with the same meaning after or, give an example after such as, or show its opposite after but or unlike. Each question here has its own sentence and its own word: children choose the meaning, find the words that are the clue, name the kind of clue, and pick the sentence that uses a word correctly.

Support sentences give direct definitions; challenge sentences use harder words and subtler clues. Encourage your child to cover the choices first and explain the sentence in their own words.

What your child will learn

  • Use nearby words to work out a meaning
  • Find the words that are the clue
  • Name the kind of clue: definition, example, opposite or synonym
  • Choose the meaning that fits a word with two meanings

Common Core standard: L.3.4.A

Worked example

In 'The crowded hallway made students move slowly,' move slowly helps show that crowded means filled with many people.

Common mistake

Guessing from the word alone instead of using the words around it.

Helpful hint

Read before and after the word.

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with context clues?

Guessing from the word alone instead of using the words around it.

How can I help my child with context clues?

Read before and after the word.

Are these 3rd grade reading worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

Similar: Informational Vocabulary · Multiple-Meaning Words

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