Home / English / Printables / Grade 1 / Work the Word Out Work the Word Out is a free printable Grade 1 English worksheet on using the sentence around a word to get its meaning, aligned to Common Core standard L.1.4. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
One paper per pupil
Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.
Tick the right meaning.
1. The startled rabbit shot into the hedge. What does "startled" mean here?
A. suddenly surprised B. slowly bored C. fast asleep D. very pleased 2. There was a faint smell of smoke. What does "faint" mean here?
A. very quick B. hard to see or hear C. very sweet D. very strong 3. He held the ladder steady while she climbed. What does "steady" mean here?
A. very cold B. not wobbling C. shaking a lot D. moving fast 4. A swift stream ran past the mill. What does "swift" mean here?
A. moving very fast B. moving very slowly C. going backwards D. standing still 5. She had to peer through the dusty glass. What does "peer" mean here?
A. to sit down B. to look hard at something C. to shout out loud D. to run past 6. She heard him murmur something to the dog. What does "murmur" mean here?
A. to shout very loudly B. to sing a song C. to laugh out loud D. to speak very quietly 7. He wore a shabby old coat with a torn pocket. What does "shabby" mean here?
A. worn out and untidy B. very expensive C. brand new and smart D. very warm 8. They came home drenched after the storm. What does "drenched" mean here?
A. very warm B. very early C. completely soaked D. completely dry LessonPrint · L.1.4 · Set 14 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Work the Word Out Set 14. Prints on its own sheet.
1. suddenly surprised 2. hard to see or hear 3. not wobbling 4. moving very fast 5. to look hard at something 6. to speak very quietly 7. worn out and untidy 8. completely soaked Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.1.4 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.