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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 

LITIGANT

DEFINITION:
Someone involved in a lawsuit.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
With the widespread and transformative use of artificial intelligence — particularly generative AI — in daily life, federal and state courts in New Mexico are finding self-represented litigants and some attorneys filing legal cases containing false or misleading information.
The Albuquerque Journal, 04/13/2026

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. Sect

Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative

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

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

Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder


2. Pulverize

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

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

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

To pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust.


3. Stereotype

One who rejects a religion, cause, allegiance, or group for another; a deserter.

Harmful, malevolent, injurious. Harmfully cancerous.

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

A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image.


4. Bizarre

To take in by elaborate methods of deceit

An ammunition belt, worn over the shoulder, having loops or pockets for cartridges.

Incorrectness of reasoning or belief

Strikingly unconventional and far-fetched in style or appearance; odd


5. Zoology

To have a great ambition or ultimate goal

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.

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


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