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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 

WILDFIRE

DEFINITION:
An unplanned and uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
It was not yet clear how the wildfires started, but a long drought, low humidity and strong winds were fueling them.
The Key West Citizen, 04/27/2026

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. Mutation

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

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

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

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


2. Mosaic

The arrangement of events in time

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

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

Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles


3. Phloem

To move in waves or with a smooth, wavelike motion.

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

Incorrectness of reasoning or belief

The quality or state of being tranquil; serenity.


4. Metaphor

A rebirth or revival.

One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.

A proportional part or share.

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.


5. Impertinent

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

Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk.

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

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.


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