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.
Words in the News Quiz
5 High 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. Vortex
► A place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it.
► To modify, as by shortening or simplifying or by skewing the content in a certain manner.
► To bring under control; conquer.
► A diligent, dependable worker.
2. Parabola
► To bring under control; conquer.
► A diligent, dependable worker.
► To proceed completely around:
3. Usurp
► The act or process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing.
► A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something.
► Impossible to dispute; unquestionable
► To seize another’s place, authority, or possession wrongfully.
4. Evanescent
► Government by a few, especially by a small faction of persons or families.
► The art or study of correct spelling according to established usage.
► Vanishing or likely to vanish like vapor.
5. Laissez faire
► Noninterference in the affairs of others.
► Quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight.
► Something done or paid to compensate or make amends.
©2026 Boston Herald in Education and Online Publications Inc. and NIEonline.com
