Work out a word, then check it

Grade 8 Reading Worksheet - Building Confidence

Circle the best answer.

1. 1.

   Ari reads: “The ephemeral blossoms, flowers that last only a single day, covered the path in pink.” What does ephemeral mean here?

   • lasting for many years
   • lasting a very short time
   • flowers that grow on the branches of trees
   • pink and pretty to look at
2. 2.

   Esme reads: “The tenacious climber, one who refused to give up after three falls, finally reached the summit.” What does tenacious mean here?

   • dropping suddenly from a steep place
   • standing at the top of a mountain
   • ready to quit at the first problem
   • determined and slow to quit
3. 3.

   Jun reads: “The turbulent water, rough and full of swirling currents, tossed the small boat around.” What does turbulent mean here?

   • carrying a small boat
   • smooth and calm
   • rough and stirred up
   • a steady flow of water in one direction
4. 4.

   Kira reads: “Unlike the shy twin who stayed in a corner, the gregarious twin spent the party moving from group to group.” What does gregarious mean here?

   • one of two children born together
   • friendly and fond of company
   • quiet and uneasy around others
   • going to a party
5. 5.

   Luz reads: “The prudent hiker checked the forecast and packed rain gear, while the careless hikers set out with nothing.” What does prudent mean here?

   • careless and unready
   • careful and sensible about what may happen
   • walking a trail in the hills
   • a prediction of the coming weather
6. 6.

   Noah reads: “Instead of the plain lunch they usually had, the school held a lavish banquet with piles of food.” What does lavish mean here?

   • held at the school
   • a meal eaten around noon
   • given or spent in great amounts
   • simple and small
7. 7.

   Pia reads: “Deciduous trees, such as maples and oaks, drop their leaves each autumn.” What does deciduous mean here?

   • losing leaves once a year
   • trees that include maples and oaks
   • the season when leaves change color
   • staying green through the whole winter
8. 8.

   Ren reads: “Nomadic families, such as herders who follow their animals from pasture to pasture, live in tents they carry with them.” What does nomadic mean here?

   • raising animals for a living
   • moving from place to place
   • settled in one house
   • a field of grass where animals feed
9. 9.

   Tala reads: “Perennial plants, such as tulips and irises, return each spring without being replanted.” What does perennial mean here?

   • a group that includes tulips and irises
   • coming back year after year
   • lasting just one season
   • put into the ground again
10. 10.

    Zee reads: “Volatile liquids, such as gasoline and nail polish remover, quickly turn into vapor in open air.” What does volatile mean here?

    • a group that includes gasoline
    • staying liquid for a long time
    • a substance that flows and fits its container
    • quick to turn into a gas