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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 

INSPECTOR

DEFINITION:
An official employed to ensure that official regulations are obeyed, especially in public services.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are federal employees, and misconduct allegations are typically investigated by the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility or by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of inspector General.
The Key West Citizen, 03/16/2026

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

The distance that light travels in a vacuum in one year.

The food-conducting tissue of vascular plants, consisting of sieve tubes, fibers, parenchyma, and sclereids.

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

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


2. Guerrilla

A diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas or both, visible as luminous patches or areas of darkness

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

An alteration or change, as in nature, form, or quality.

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


3. Heritage

Of, relating to, or occurring in the night

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

A cult or religious movement, a group sharing particular (often unorthodox) political and/or religious beliefs.

Not subject to an obligation imposed on others; exempt.


4. Toxin

A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms.

To move back or away from a limit, point, or mark

A dense evergreen forest occupying a tropical region with an annual rainfall of at least 100 inches.

In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable.


5. Accentuate

Having or demonstrating enthusiasm

To stress or emphasize; intensify

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

One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.


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