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Context First is a free printable Grade 5 English worksheet on using the surrounding sentences before the dictionary, aligned to Common Core standard L.5.4. 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 21 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.

Context First

L.5.4

NameDate

Tick the right meaning.

1.Farmers anticipate the first frost each autumn. What does "anticipate" mean here?
  • A.to measure exactly
  • B.to expect something before it happens
  • C.to forget entirely
  • D.to describe afterwards
2.Scientists scrutinise the data before publishing it. What does "scrutinise" mean here?
  • A.to throw away
  • B.to examine very closely
  • C.to glance at briefly
  • D.to copy out
3.The old signalling system is now obsolete. What does "obsolete" mean here?
  • A.no longer used because something better exists
  • B.carefully hidden
  • C.very expensive
  • D.brand new and popular
4.The path began to deteriorate after the floods. What does "deteriorate" mean here?
  • A.to stay perfect
  • B.to grow taller
  • C.to improve steadily
  • D.to get worse over time
5.The second account contradicts the first. What does "contradict" mean here?
  • A.to repeat word for word
  • B.to explain clearly
  • C.to agree with exactly
  • D.to say the opposite of
6.A prominent ridge runs along the island's spine. What does "prominent" mean here?
  • A.easily overlooked
  • B.poorly made
  • C.easily noticed; important
  • D.recently built
7.The committee reached a consensus after two hours. What does "consensus" mean here?
  • A.a formal complaint
  • B.a sharp disagreement
  • C.a written record
  • D.general agreement among a group
8.Fish were abundant in the bay that year. What does "abundant" mean here?
  • A.very expensive
  • B.existing in great quantity
  • C.almost absent
  • D.poorly hidden

LessonPrint · L.5.4 · Set 21 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Context First

Set 21. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.to expect something before it happens
  2. 2.to examine very closely
  3. 3.no longer used because something better exists
  4. 4.to get worse over time
  5. 5.to say the opposite of
  6. 6.easily noticed; important
  7. 7.general agreement among a group
  8. 8.existing in great quantity

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.5.4 of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.