Words in the News

This Week's Word In The News 

BACKLOT

DEFINITION:
An area behind or adjoining a movie studio containing permanent exterior buildings for outdoor scenes in filmmaking or television productions.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who serves the 4th District, makes her way across an empty, unnamed backlot, presenting her case to be the city’s next mayor.
The Los Angeles Times, 05/18/2026

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Words in the News Quiz
5 Middle School Words

Click on the correct answer in the quiz below.
Then see if you can find the word in your newspaper -- the print edition, the website or the digital edition and copy the sentence for context. NOTE: High School words are much harder to find!


1. Polygon

One that speaks for, represents, or advocates

A closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments.

A metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters (0.62 mile).

To take in by elaborate methods of deceit


2. Virtuoso

A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.

Being without or almost without hope

To rejoice greatly; be jubilant or triumphant

Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder


3. Outrageous

Grossly offensive to decency or morality.

Appropriateness of behavior or conduct

Any of various relatively small sailing or motor-driven vessels used for pleasure cruises or racing.

A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption.


4. Zoology

A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption.

An elevated, comparatively level expanse of land; a tableland.

The branch of biology that deals with animals and animal life, including the study of the structure, physiology, development, and classification of animals.

The supporting and water-conducting tissue of vascular plants, consisting primarily of tracheids and vessels; woody tissue.


5. Dialogue

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

To have a great ambition or ultimate goal

To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive

Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative


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Common Core State Standard
LS.CCS.4/5/6 Grades 3-12: Students are asked to determine the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words through multiple choice vocabulary quizzes. Quizzes are designed to help students demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in words, acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words, and gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Students are then asked to find the words within the newspaper and copy the sentence for context to its overall meaning or function in a sentence.