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

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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.Do not hesitate to ask if you are stuck. What does "hesitate" mean here?
  • A.to act at once
  • B.to pause before acting
  • C.to run away
  • D.to speak loudly
2.Scientists observe the birds every morning. What does "observe" mean here?
  • A.to argue about
  • B.to build quickly
  • C.to watch carefully
  • D.to ignore completely
3.Frequent showers kept the garden green. What does "frequent" mean here?
  • A.happening very quietly
  • B.happening almost never
  • C.happening very slowly
  • D.happening often
4.The noise gradually faded as the train left. What does "gradually" mean here?
  • A.all at once
  • B.very loudly
  • C.in a straight line
  • D.slowly, a little at a time
5.Ancient people painted these caves. What does "ancient" mean here?
  • A.made this year
  • B.very small
  • C.very expensive
  • D.belonging to the very distant past
6.A sturdy fence kept the sheep in the field. What does "sturdy" mean here?
  • A.brightly painted
  • B.easily knocked over
  • C.recently washed
  • D.strongly built
7.The shallow end of the pool came up to her knees. What does "shallow" mean here?
  • A.extremely deep
  • B.extremely cold
  • C.not deep
  • D.extremely wide
8.He gave a reluctant nod and picked up the bag. What does "reluctant" mean here?
  • A.unwilling and hesitating
  • B.quick and willing
  • C.loud and proud
  • D.cold and damp

LessonPrint · RI.3.4 · Set 23 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Academic Vocabulary

Set 23. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.to pause before acting
  2. 2.to watch carefully
  3. 3.happening often
  4. 4.slowly, a little at a time
  5. 5.belonging to the very distant past
  6. 6.strongly built
  7. 7.not deep
  8. 8.unwilling and hesitating

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