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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.
This Week's Word In The News 

ACQUAINTANCE

DEFINITION:
A person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
When photographer Peter Turnley was just 20 years old, an acquaintance from the California Office of Economic Opportunity reached out to him with a question.
The Los Angeles Times, 12/01/2025

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. Symbiosis

A picture or decorative design made by setting small colored pieces, as of stone or tile, into a surface.

Any of various nonplacental mammals, including kangaroos, opossums, bandicoots, and wombats, found principally in Australia and the Americas.

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

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


2. Tariff

To stress or emphasize; intensify

A diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas or both, visible as luminous patches or areas of darkness

A schedule of prices or fees.

A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms.


3. Hypocrisy

Having a backbone or spinal column.

To honor the memory of with a ceremony

The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.

Consuming or eager to consume great amounts of food; ravenous.


4. Salmonella

Any of several rod-shaped bacteria, of the genus Salmonella, that cause food poisoning and other diseases.

One who rejects a religion, cause, allegiance, or group for another; a deserter.

A characteristic rate or rhythm of activity; a pace

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.


5. Metaphor

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.

Enforced isolation or restriction of free movement imposed to prevent the spread of contagious disease.

One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.

One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.


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