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.
Set 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
1.He wore a shabby old coat with a torn pocket. What does "shabby" mean here?
A.brand new and smart
B.very expensive
C.very warm
D.worn out and untidy
2.They began to gather sticks for the fire. What does "gather" mean here?
A.to collect things together
B.to fall over
C.to run in circles
D.to throw things away
3.The crisp leaves crunched under their boots. What does "crisp" mean here?
A.warm and soft
B.wet and floppy
C.dry and firm enough to snap
D.smooth and shiny
4.She had to peer through the dusty glass. What does "peer" mean here?
A.to shout out loud
B.to run past
C.to sit down
D.to look hard at something
5.He held the ladder steady while she climbed. What does "steady" mean here?
A.very cold
B.shaking a lot
C.not wobbling
D.moving fast
6.They squeezed along the narrow path. What does "narrow" mean here?
A.very wide
B.very tall
C.not wide
D.very warm
7.A swift stream ran past the mill. What does "swift" mean here?
A.moving very fast
B.standing still
C.moving very slowly
D.going backwards
8.A vast field stretched to the horizon. What does "vast" mean here?
A.extremely large in area
B.extremely small
C.very crowded
D.very steep
LessonPrint · L.1.4 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Work the Word Out
Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.
1.worn out and untidy
2.to collect things together
3.dry and firm enough to snap
4.to look hard at something
5.not wobbling
6.not wide
7.moving very fast
8.extremely large in area
Questions about Work the Word Out
What does the Work the Word Out worksheet cover?
It practises using the sentence around a word to get its meaning — 8 questions for Grade 1, all on Common Core L.1.4: Work out a new word from the sentence around it or from its parts. The instruction to pupils is “Tick the right meaning”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.
Which Common Core standard does Work the Word Out practise?
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.4 — L.1.4, in the Language domain for Grade 1. The published standard reads: “Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.” The worksheet assesses that standard rather than a paraphrase of it.
What age or grade is this worksheet for?
Work the Word Out is written for Grade 1, typically ages 6-7. It is one of the sheets on L.1.4, so it suits any pupil working at that standard — including older pupils revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.
Does Work the Word Out come with an answer key?
Yes. All 8 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.
How many different versions of Work the Word Out can I print?
25 — one per pupil, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.
Is Work the Word Out free to print and photocopy?
Yes. Work the Word Out, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.
Is there a lesson plan to teach L.1.4?
Yes — “Working Out a New Word” is a 40-minute Grade 1 plan for L.1.4, timed section by section, with the misconceptions to expect and an exit ticket. Work the Word Out is the practice that follows it.
More practice for L.1.4
Work out a new word from the sentence around it or from its parts.
Teaching this next? Working Out a New Word is the 40-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.