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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 

MITIGATION

DEFINITION:
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
But after years of record investment by the state in such wildfire risk mitigation, two key money sources are drying up, potentially reducing the state’s annual budget for vegetation removal by hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Los Angeles Times, 06/01/2026

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. Bandolier

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

An ammunition belt, worn over the shoulder, having loops or pockets for cartridges.

Not subject to an obligation imposed on others; exempt.

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.


2. Outrageous

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.

Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles

The distribution of energy emitted by a radiant source, arranged in order of wavelengths.

Grossly offensive to decency or morality.


3. Symbiosis

Sharing the same opinions or views; being in complete harmony or accord.

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

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

Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder


4. Mosaic

Forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.

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

A schedule of prices or fees.

A prohibition by a government on certain or all trade with a foreign nation


5. Plateau

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

A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.

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

Having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective.


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