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Context Clues & Cause/Effect

Grade 2 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-1USH4S2-9W0O

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1.Read: “The library was crowded after school, so volunteers opened a second reading room. Families then found seats more quickly.” What does “volunteers” mean, and what caused the result?
2.Read: “A museum displayed a sailor's diary beside a modern historian's article. The diary captured firsthand feelings, while the article connected records from many sources.” What does “firsthand” mean, and what caused the result?
3.Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.” What does “variable” mean, and what caused the result?
4.Read: “Keiko read two reports about the same storm. One used measurements from weather stations; the other relied on a single person's memory.” What does “relied” mean, and what caused the result?
5.Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.” What does “surplus” mean, and what caused the result?
6.Read: “Milo packed a sandwich, while June packed fruit and crackers. Both children brought water for the hike.” What does “while” mean, and what caused the result?
7.Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.” What does “native” mean, and what caused the result?
8.Read: “Ravi rehearsed his speech alone, then practiced for his sister. Her questions showed him which parts needed clearer explanations.” What does “rehearsed” mean, and what caused the result?

Answers and teaching notes

Use the answers to check the work after the learner finishes. For writing prompts, the guide describes what a strong response should include.

Show answers for version 11
  1. Read: “The library was crowded after school, so volunteers opened a second reading room. Families then found seats more quickly.” What does “volunteers” mean, and what caused the result?people who choose to help. Cause: The original room was crowded.
  2. Read: “A museum displayed a sailor's diary beside a modern historian's article. The diary captured firsthand feelings, while the article connected records from many sources.” What does “firsthand” mean, and what caused the result?experienced or recorded directly. Cause: The sources were created for different purposes and at different times.
  3. Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.” What does “variable” mean, and what caused the result?a factor that can change. Cause: The second team changed two factors.
  4. Read: “Keiko read two reports about the same storm. One used measurements from weather stations; the other relied on a single person's memory.” What does “relied” mean, and what caused the result?depended. Cause: The reports used different kinds of evidence.
  5. Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.” What does “surplus” mean, and what caused the result?an amount greater than what is needed. Cause: Electricity production and household use peaked at different times.
  6. Read: “Milo packed a sandwich, while June packed fruit and crackers. Both children brought water for the hike.” What does “while” mean, and what caused the result?showing a contrast between two things. Cause: They were preparing for a hike.
  7. Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.” What does “native” mean, and what caused the result?originating naturally in an area. Cause: Deep roots held the soil during storms.
  8. Read: “Ravi rehearsed his speech alone, then practiced for his sister. Her questions showed him which parts needed clearer explanations.” What does “rehearsed” mean, and what caused the result?practiced before presenting. Cause: His sister asked questions about unclear parts.

Worked example

Use nearby words to infer meaning, then connect the action that produced the result.

Common mistake

Using a familiar meaning that does not fit the sentence.

Helpful hint

Replace the word with your meaning and reread.