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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 

SUREFIRE

DEFINITION:
Certain or likely, especially to succeed.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
Kirby taught himself how to count cards, a surefire way to get barred from gambling at a casino, “raking in money on trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas,” the article stated.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal, 05/04/2026

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. Light-Year

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

The distance that light travels in a vacuum in one year.

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

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.


2. Guerrilla

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.

Having a backbone or spinal column.

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

A member of an irregular, usually indigenous military or paramilitary unit operating in small bands in occupied territory to harass and undermine the enemy


3. Aspire

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.

To have a great ambition or ultimate goal

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

Not subject to an obligation imposed on others; exempt.


4. Plateau

Consuming or eager to consume great amounts of food; ravenous.

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

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

Incorrectness of reasoning or belief


5. Divulge

To proclaim publicly

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

To take in by elaborate methods of deceit

Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder


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