Shades of Meaning is a free printable Grade 2 English worksheet on telling apart words that mean nearly the same, aligned to Common Core standard L.2.5. 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.
5.Which word means nearly the same as "reluctant"?
A.clear
B.selfish
C.unwilling
6.Which word means nearly the same as "damp"?
A.moist
B.clear
C.gentle
7.Which word means nearly the same as "fragile"?
A.whisper
B.delicate
C.gentle
8.Which word means nearly the same as "linger"?
A.reckless
B.ordinary
C.dawdle
LessonPrint · L.2.5 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Shades of Meaning
Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.
1.cloudy
2.persuade
3.odd
4.careful
5.unwilling
6.moist
7.delicate
8.dawdle
Questions about Shades of Meaning
What does the Shades of Meaning worksheet cover?
It practises telling apart words that mean nearly the same — 8 questions for Grade 2, all on Common Core L.2.5: Tell apart words with close meanings, like toss, throw and hurl. The instruction to pupils is “Tick the right answer”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.
Which Common Core standard does Shades of Meaning practise?
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.5 — L.2.5, in the Language domain for Grade 2. The published standard reads: “Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.” The worksheet assesses that standard rather than a paraphrase of it.
What age or grade is this worksheet for?
Shades of Meaning is written for Grade 2, typically ages 7-8. It is one of the sheets on L.2.5, so it suits any pupil working at that standard — including older pupils revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.
Does Shades of Meaning 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 Shades of Meaning 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 Shades of Meaning free to print and photocopy?
Yes. Shades of Meaning, 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.2.5?
Yes — “Shades of Meaning in Verbs” is a 40-minute Grade 2 plan for L.2.5, timed section by section, with the misconceptions to expect and an exit ticket. Shades of Meaning is the practice that follows it.
More practice for L.2.5
Tell apart words with close meanings, like toss, throw and hurl.
Teaching this next? Shades of Meaning in Verbs is the 40-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.