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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. Bandolier

Having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective.

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

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

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


2. Protagonist

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

The main character in a drama or other literary work.

One that is inconvenient, annoying, or vexatious; a bother.

Appropriateness of behavior or conduct


3. Nocturnal

The act of reasoning from factual knowledge or evidence.

A movement or procedure involving skill and dexterity.

Of, relating to, or occurring in the night

A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.


4. Alliteration

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

Of or relating to the range of invisible radiation wavelengths from about 4 nanometers, on the border of the x-ray region, to about 380 nanometers, just beyond the violet in the visible spectrum.

The repetition of the same sounds or of the same kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables

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


5. Toxin

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

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

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

A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms.


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