Skip to content
LessonPrint

Academic Vocabulary is a free printable Grade 3 English worksheet on choosing what a subject word means in a sentence, aligned to Common Core standard RI.3.4. 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.

Set 2 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

Next set

One paper per pupil

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425

Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Academic Vocabulary

RI.3.4

NameDate

Tick the right meaning.

1.Frequent showers kept the garden green. What does "frequent" mean here?
  • A.happening often
  • B.happening very slowly
  • C.happening very quietly
  • D.happening almost never
2.He gave a reluctant nod and picked up the bag. What does "reluctant" mean here?
  • A.unwilling and hesitating
  • B.cold and damp
  • C.quick and willing
  • D.loud and proud
3.A sturdy fence kept the sheep in the field. What does "sturdy" mean here?
  • A.recently washed
  • B.strongly built
  • C.brightly painted
  • D.easily knocked over
4.Ancient people painted these caves. What does "ancient" mean here?
  • A.very expensive
  • B.very small
  • C.belonging to the very distant past
  • D.made this year
5.Do not hesitate to ask if you are stuck. What does "hesitate" mean here?
  • A.to run away
  • B.to act at once
  • C.to pause before acting
  • D.to speak loudly
6.The noise gradually faded as the train left. What does "gradually" mean here?
  • A.slowly, a little at a time
  • B.very loudly
  • C.all at once
  • D.in a straight line
7.Water became scarce during the long dry summer. What does "scarce" mean here?
  • A.easy to find everywhere
  • B.extremely heavy
  • C.hard to find; not enough
  • D.brightly coloured
8.A fierce wind bent the young trees. What does "fierce" mean here?
  • A.warm and dry
  • B.soft and gentle
  • C.violent and frightening
  • D.slow and steady

LessonPrint · RI.3.4 · Set 2 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Academic Vocabulary

Set 2. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.happening often
  2. 2.unwilling and hesitating
  3. 3.strongly built
  4. 4.belonging to the very distant past
  5. 5.to pause before acting
  6. 6.slowly, a little at a time
  7. 7.hard to find; not enough
  8. 8.violent and frightening

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to RI.3.4 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.