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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 

MITIGATION

DEFINITION:
The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
But after years of record investment by the state in such wildfire risk mitigation, two key money sources are drying up, potentially reducing the state’s annual budget for vegetation removal by hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Los Angeles Times, 06/01/2026

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. Vacillate

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.

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

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

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


2. Fallacy

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

A movement or procedure involving skill and dexterity.

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

Incorrectness of reasoning or belief


3. Recede

The quality or state of being tranquil; serenity.

A characteristic rate or rhythm of activity; a pace

To move back or away from a limit, point, or mark

In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable.


4. Polygon

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

A closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments.

To have a great ambition or ultimate goal

A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen.


5. Bandolier

A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen.

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

A proportional part or share.

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


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