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. A vast field stretched to the horizon. What does "vast" mean here?
A. extremely large in area B. very steep C. extremely small D. very crowded 2. A swift stream ran past the mill. What does "swift" mean here?
A. moving very fast B. standing still C. going backwards D. moving very slowly 3. They began to gather sticks for the fire. What does "gather" mean here?
A. to fall over B. to collect things together C. to throw things away D. to run in circles 4. The startled rabbit shot into the hedge. What does "startled" mean here?
A. very pleased B. fast asleep C. slowly bored D. suddenly surprised 5. He wore a shabby old coat with a torn pocket. What does "shabby" mean here?
A. very warm B. very expensive C. worn out and untidy D. brand new and smart 6. There was a faint smell of smoke. What does "faint" mean here?
A. very quick B. hard to see or hear C. very strong D. very sweet 7. He held the ladder steady while she climbed. What does "steady" mean here?
A. moving fast B. not wobbling C. very cold D. shaking a lot 8. They came home drenched after the storm. What does "drenched" mean here?
A. completely soaked B. very warm C. very early D. completely dry LessonPrint · L.1.4 · Set 18 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Work the Word Out Set 18. Prints on its own sheet.
1. extremely large in area 2. moving very fast 3. to collect things together 4. suddenly surprised 5. worn out and untidy 6. hard to see or hear 7. not wobbling 8. completely soaked Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.1.4 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.