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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 

CANVASS

DEFINITION:
A systematic approach to interviewing residents, merchants, and others who are in the immediate vicinity of a crime and may have useful information.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
In a press release, police said Lewisville Fire Department officials pronounced the man deceased on the scene. Police started a homicide investigation immediately, and canvassed the area in search of witnesses.
The Denton Record-Chronicle, 09/14/2026

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. Toxin

Of or relating to the range of invisible radiation wavelengths from about 4 nanometers, on the border of the x-ray region, to about 380 nanometers, just beyond the violet in the visible spectrum.

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

The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.

To move in waves or with a smooth, wavelike motion.


2. Metaphor

To move in waves or with a smooth, wavelike motion.

Incorrectness of reasoning or belief

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.


3. Phloem

The branch of biology that deals with animals and animal life, including the study of the structure, physiology, development, and classification of animals.

Having a backbone or spinal column.

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

Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder


4. Yacht

To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion

Any of several rod-shaped bacteria, of the genus Salmonella, that cause food poisoning and other diseases.

Any of various relatively small sailing or motor-driven vessels used for pleasure cruises or racing.

To cringe in fear


5. Flourish

A treeless area between the icecap and the tree line of Arctic regions, having a permanently frozen subsoil and supporting low-growing vegetation

To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive

One that speaks for, represents, or advocates

To swing indecisively from one course of action or opinion to another.


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