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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 

ROOSTER TAIL

DEFINITION:
A high-arching spray (as of water, dust, or snow) thrown up behind a fast-moving motorboat, motor vehicle, or skier.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
A second red flag was waved during the fifth race of the day when Rollin Transport got into a rooster tail on the turn of the first lap, resulting in the boat going onto its side before flipping.
The Key West Citizen, 11/10/2025

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. Mosaic

The distribution of energy emitted by a radiant source, arranged in order of wavelengths.

A picture or decorative design made by setting small colored pieces, as of stone or tile, into a surface.

To take in by elaborate methods of deceit

To cringe in fear


2. Quandary

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption.

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

The right or privilege of voting; franchise.


3. Guru

A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.

Having or demonstrating enthusiasm

Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative

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


4. Boisterous

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

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

Loud, noisy, and lacking in restraint or discipline

To have a great ambition or ultimate goal


5. Nuisance

One that speaks for, represents, or advocates

Grossly offensive to decency or morality.

One that is inconvenient, annoying, or vexatious; a bother.

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


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