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. Vacillate
► To swing indecisively from one course of action or opinion to another.
► Having or demonstrating enthusiasm
2. Levee
► An embankment built to prevent flooding
► One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.
► A grotesque ornamental figure or projection.
3. Exponent
► One that speaks for, represents, or advocates
► A proportional part or share.
► A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.
4. Aspire
► To have a great ambition or ultimate goal
► Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.
► To pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust.
► Having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective.
5. Dialogue
► A movement or procedure involving skill and dexterity.
► Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative
► A characteristic rate or rhythm of activity; a pace
► To take in by elaborate methods of deceit
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.