TIE | The Los Angeles Times in Education

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. Nocturnal

► A form of a verb that in some languages, such as English, can function independently as an adjective.

► An embankment built to prevent flooding

► A closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments.

► Of, relating to, or occurring in the night

2. Technique

► To rejoice greatly; be jubilant or triumphant

► Being without or almost without hope

► The pattern produced on a photosensitive medium that has been exposed by holography and then photographically developed.

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

3. Typhoon

► A weather phenomenon in the Eastern Pacific that is precisely equivalent to a hurricane.

► Incorrectness of reasoning or belief

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

► A member of an irregular, usually indigenous military or paramilitary unit operating in small bands in occupied territory to harass and undermine the enemy

4. Aspire

► One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.

► To have a great ambition or ultimate goal

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

► A metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters (0.62 mile).

5. Quota

► Not subject to an obligation imposed on others; exempt.

► Having or demonstrating enthusiasm

► A proportional part or share.

► Using or marked by the use of few words; terse or concise.

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.

BACKLOT

Words in the News Quiz
5 Middle School Words

BACKLOT
DEFINITION: An area behind or adjoining a movie studio containing permanent exterior buildings for outdoor scenes in filmmaking or television productions.	FOUND IN THE NEWS: Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who serves the 4th District, makes her way across an empty, unnamed backlot, presenting her case to be the city’s next mayor. ►The Los Angeles Times, 05/18/2026

BACKLOT

Words in the News Quiz5 Middle School Words

Words in the News Quiz
5 Middle School Words