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. Despondent
► Being without or almost without hope
► Strikingly unconventional and far-fetched in style or appearance; odd
► To take in by elaborate methods of deceit
► The quality or state of being tranquil; serenity.
2. Flourish
► To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive
► To condescend to give or grant
► To swing indecisively from one course of action or opinion to another.
3. Gargoyle
► Loud, noisy, and lacking in restraint or discipline
► A grotesque ornamental figure or projection.
► Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk.
4. Exult
► To rejoice greatly; be jubilant or triumphant
► A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.
► The main character in a drama or other literary work.
5. Tumult
► A disorderly commotion or disturbance.
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.