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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 

INCARCERATED

DEFINITION:
Confined in a jail or prison.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is restricting access to rehabilitative programming for incarcerated people as it clamps down on overtime spending before the end of its financial year.
The Los Angeles Times, 06/29/2026

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. Embargo

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

Not subject to an obligation imposed on others; exempt.

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

A prohibition by a government on certain or all trade with a foreign nation


2. Metaphor

Forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.

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.

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

One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.


3. Nebula

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

In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable.

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

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


4. Camouflage

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

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

The method or result of concealing personnel or equipment from an enemy by making them appear to be part of the natural surroundings

The repetition of the same sounds or of the same kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables


5. Dialogue

Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative

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

A rebirth or revival.

Being without or almost without hope


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