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Grade 3 · Reading · Vocabulary

3rd Grade Context Clues worksheets

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Context Clues

Grade 3 Reading Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the answer.

  1. "After the long car ride, Ava felt drowsy and could barely keep her eyes open." What does drowsy mean?

    • bored
    • hungry
    • carsick
    • sleepy

  2. "I caught a glimpse of the deer before it ran into the trees." What does glimpse mean?

    • a clear photo
    • a loud sound
    • a quick look
    • a long chase

  3. "Ben was timid, so he hid behind Mom when he met new people." Which words help you know what timid means?

    • so he
    • when he met
    • hid behind Mom
    • new people

  4. "Some fruits, such as lemons and limes, taste sour." What kind of clue helps you know what sour means?

    • a definition
    • a synonym
    • an example
    • an opposite

  5. "The bank of the river was covered in soft green moss." Which meaning of bank fits this sentence?

    • the land beside a river
    • to tip a plane while turning
    • a pile of snow by the road
    • a place where people keep money

  6. Which sentence uses the word fragile correctly?

    • A fragile brick wall held up the whole heavy roof.
    • Fragile boots keep your feet safe in deep snow.
    • Wrap the fragile glass bowl so it will not break.
    • The fragile rock stayed whole when it fell off the cliff.

  7. "The gigantic whale was longer than our whole school bus." What does gigantic mean?

    • very hungry
    • very large
    • very fast
    • very loud

  8. "My sandwich got soggy because it sat in a puddle of water at the picnic." Which words help you know what soggy means?

    • My sandwich got
    • at the picnic
    • in a puddle of water
    • because it

  9. "The old car was slow, but the new train was swift." What kind of clue helps you know what swift means?

    • an opposite
    • a definition
    • a synonym
    • an example

  10. "The puppy was curious and sniffed every box to see what was inside." What does curious mean?

    • wanting to find out
    • feeling very tired
    • feeling a bit afraid
    • wanting to be alone
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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.

Next skill: Cause and EffectEarlier: Making Inferences

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

More 3rd grade vocabulary

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