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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 25 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.The path began to deteriorate after the floods. What does "deteriorate" mean here?
  • A.to get worse over time
  • B.to improve steadily
  • C.to stay perfect
  • D.to grow taller
2.Fish were abundant in the bay that year. What does "abundant" mean here?
  • A.very expensive
  • B.almost absent
  • C.existing in great quantity
  • D.poorly hidden
3.The committee reached a consensus after two hours. What does "consensus" mean here?
  • A.a formal complaint
  • B.a written record
  • C.general agreement among a group
  • D.a sharp disagreement
4.A prominent ridge runs along the island's spine. What does "prominent" mean here?
  • A.poorly made
  • B.easily noticed; important
  • C.recently built
  • D.easily overlooked
5.The old signalling system is now obsolete. What does "obsolete" mean here?
  • A.carefully hidden
  • B.brand new and popular
  • C.no longer used because something better exists
  • D.very expensive
6.The second account contradicts the first. What does "contradict" mean here?
  • A.to explain clearly
  • B.to agree with exactly
  • C.to say the opposite of
  • D.to repeat word for word
7.The resilient saplings grew back after the fire. What does "resilient" mean here?
  • A.very expensive
  • B.able to recover quickly from difficulty
  • C.extremely large
  • D.easily destroyed for good
8.The instruction was ambiguous, so half the class did it differently. What does "ambiguous" mean here?
  • A.perfectly clear
  • B.extremely long
  • C.able to be understood in more than one way
  • D.recently written

LessonPrint · L.5.4 · Set 25 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Context First

Set 25. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.to get worse over time
  2. 2.existing in great quantity
  3. 3.general agreement among a group
  4. 4.easily noticed; important
  5. 5.no longer used because something better exists
  6. 6.to say the opposite of
  7. 7.able to recover quickly from difficulty
  8. 8.able to be understood in more than one way

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