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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 

PLOY

DEFINITION:
A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
“First of all, I think it’s important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,” said the 44th president, conceding that it does serve as an effective distraction and ploy for attention.
The Boston Herald, 02/16/2026

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. Spectrum

Of, relating to, or occurring in the night

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

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

An embankment built to prevent flooding


2. Tundra

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

Any of various nonplacental mammals, including kangaroos, opossums, bandicoots, and wombats, found principally in Australia and the Americas.

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

An unstable, poisonous allotrope of oxygen.


3. Enthusiastic

Having or demonstrating enthusiasm

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

Exceeding the limits of propriety or good manners; improperly forward or bold

The act of reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence.


4. Labyrinth

Exceeding the limits of propriety or good manners; improperly forward or bold

The act of reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence.

A drawing consisting of the outline of something, especially a human profile, filled in with a solid color.

An intricate structure of interconnecting passages through which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze.


5. Vertebrate

A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.

A movement or procedure involving skill and dexterity.

The act of resting or the state of being at rest.

Having a backbone or spinal column.


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