Grade 3 · Reading · Vocabulary

3rd Grade Context Clues worksheets

6 printable versionsBuilding ConfidenceAbout 9 minutes eachFree · no account

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Context Clues

Grade 3 Reading Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
"The puppy was soaked, or very wet, after it ran through the rain." What does soaked mean?
- very cold
- very wet
- very dirty
2.
"The soup was scalding, which means it was hot enough to burn you." What does scalding mean?
- cold and lumpy
- hot enough to burn
- too salty to eat
3.
"The library was silent, so quiet that we could hear a pin drop." Which words help you know what silent means?
- we could
- The library was
- so quiet
4.
"A pedal, the part you push with your foot, makes a bike go." What kind of clue helps you know what pedal means?
- an example
- a definition
- an opposite
5.
"The baseball player swung the bat and hit the ball far." Which meaning of bat fits this sentence?
- to blink your eyes quickly
- a small animal that flies at night
- a wooden stick for hitting a ball
6.
Which sentence uses the word gentle correctly?
- The gentle storm knocked down three trees.
- Be gentle when you hold the baby bird.
- He was so gentle that he slammed the door.
7.
"The pumpkin was huge, much bigger than all the others in the patch." What does huge mean?
- very round
- very big
- very orange
8.
"Sam felt grateful, or thankful, when his friend shared her lunch." Which words help you know what grateful means?
- his friend
- or thankful
- Sam felt
9.
"Ming felt glum, or sad, when it rained on her birthday." What kind of clue helps you know what glum means?
- a synonym
- an opposite
- an example
10.
"The trail was steep, going sharply up the side of the hill." What does steep mean?
- going sharply up
- long and flat
- covered in rocks

3rd Grade Context Clues worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

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 Effect Earlier: 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.

More 3rd grade vocabulary

See all vocabulary

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