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. Wretched
► A state of uncertainty or perplexity.
► To move in waves or with a smooth, wavelike motion.
► In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable.
2. Salmonella
► A movement or procedure involving skill and dexterity.
► One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.
► A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.
3. Analogy
► One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.
► To pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust.
► Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.
► One that speaks for, represents, or advocates
4. Tundra
► A grotesque ornamental figure or projection.
► A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms.
► The distribution of energy emitted by a radiant source, arranged in order of wavelengths.
5. Jaunty
► To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive
► Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk.
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.