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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 

FOOTHOLD

DEFINITION:
A position usable as a base for further advance.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
Growing national anxiety over the impact of massive data centers on communities has found a foothold in Greater Boston in the form of Markley’s Lowell location.
The Boston Herald, 08/10/2026

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. Hieroglyphic

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 grotesque ornamental figure or projection.

Relating to a system of writing, such as that of ancient Egypt, in which pictorial symbols are used to represent meaning or sounds or a combination of meaning and sound.

To condescend to give or grant


2. Embargo

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

To honor the memory of with a ceremony

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

An elevated, comparatively level expanse of land; a tableland.


3. Tariff

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

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

A schedule of prices or fees.

Grossly offensive to decency or morality.


4. Omnivore

Sharing the same opinions or views; being in complete harmony or accord.

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

A characteristic rate or rhythm of activity; a pace

One that takes in everything available, as with the mind.


5. Jaunty

A movement or procedure involving skill and dexterity.

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

Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk.

Self-examination.


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