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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 

INCARCERATED

DEFINITION:
Confined in a jail or prison.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is restricting access to rehabilitative programming for incarcerated people as it clamps down on overtime spending before the end of its financial year.
The Los Angeles Times, 06/29/2026

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. Heritage

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.

Having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective.

Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.

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


2. Gargoyle

Either of two times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator.

The systematic procedure by which a complex or scientific task is accomplished.

To cringe in fear

A grotesque ornamental figure or projection.


3. Vertebrate

A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.

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

Having a backbone or spinal column.

To stress or emphasize; intensify


4. Analogy

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

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


5. Sacrifice

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

The food-conducting tissue of vascular plants, consisting of sieve tubes, fibers, parenchyma, and sclereids.

Loud, noisy, and lacking in restraint or discipline

To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive


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