Work It Out from Context is a free printable Grade 3 English worksheet on using the sentence to determine a word's meaning, aligned to Common Core standard L.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 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
1.The bustle of the market filled the square. What does "bustle" mean here?
A.steady rainfall
B.complete stillness
C.gentle music
D.busy noisy activity
2.A murmur of voices came from the hall. What does "murmur" mean here?
A.a bright flash
B.a sharp smell
C.a low continuous sound
D.a sudden bang
3.The deer was wary of the open field. What does "wary" mean here?
A.careful because of possible danger
B.very sleepy
C.very greedy
D.completely fearless
4.They set off at a brisk pace. What does "brisk" mean here?
A.quick and energetic
B.loud and angry
C.slow and tired
D.cold and damp
5.There was a peculiar mark on the door. What does "peculiar" mean here?
A.strange or odd
B.very expensive
C.very heavy
D.completely usual
6.The smell of woodsmoke lingered all evening. What does "linger" mean here?
A.to freeze solid
B.to remain longer than expected
C.to leave instantly
D.to grow louder
7.A vast plain stretched beyond the river. What does "vast" mean here?
A.very recent
B.very costly
C.very small in size
D.very great in size or amount
8.The captain's face was grim as he read the note. What does "grim" mean here?
A.loud and busy
B.warm and sunny
C.serious and gloomy
D.light-hearted and merry
LessonPrint · L.3.4 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Work It Out from Context
Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.
1.busy noisy activity
2.a low continuous sound
3.careful because of possible danger
4.quick and energetic
5.strange or odd
6.to remain longer than expected
7.very great in size or amount
8.serious and gloomy
Questions about Work It Out from Context
What does the Work It Out from Context worksheet cover?
It practises using the sentence to determine a word's meaning — 8 questions for Grade 3, all on Common Core L.3.4: Use context, affixes, root words and a dictionary to unlock a word. The instruction to pupils is “Tick the right meaning”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.
Which Common Core standard does Work It Out from Context practise?
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.4 — L.3.4, in the Language domain for Grade 3. The published standard reads: “Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.” The worksheet assesses that standard rather than a paraphrase of it.
What age or grade is this worksheet for?
Work It Out from Context is written for Grade 3, typically ages 8-9. It is one of the sheets on L.3.4, so it suits any pupil working at that standard — including older pupils revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.
Does Work It Out from Context 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 It Out from Context 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 It Out from Context free to print and photocopy?
Yes. Work It Out from Context, 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.
More practice for L.3.4
Use context, affixes, root words and a dictionary to unlock a word.