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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 

BILLIONAIRE

DEFINITION:
One whose wealth is estimated at a billion or more dollars, pounds, or other monetary units.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
About a dozen people took part in the “March for billionaires” on Saturday morning in San Francisco to raise awareness about the plight of the ultrarich.
The Los Angeles Times, 02/09/2026

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. Xylem

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

The locus of points for which the sum of the distances from each point to two fixed points is equal

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

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


2. Formidable

An embankment built to prevent flooding

A fungus, usually of the class Ascomycetes, that grows symbiotically with algae,

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

Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder


3. Jovial

One that speaks for, represents, or advocates

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

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.


4. Wretched

To move in waves or with a smooth, wavelike motion.

In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable.

A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.

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


5. Gargoyle

A treeless area between the icecap and the tree line of Arctic regions, having a permanently frozen subsoil and supporting low-growing vegetation

To proclaim publicly

A grotesque ornamental figure or projection.

To swing indecisively from one course of action or opinion to another.


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