Grade 4 · Reading · Challenge
Free Context Clues & Cause/Effect worksheet - version 9
Grade 4 context clues & cause/effect practice with original, difficulty-matched questions. This printable version includes 8 grade-appropriate questions and a separate answer sheet.
Context Clues & Cause/Effect
Grade 4 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-C6WUSN-1S1Y
1.Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.”
What does “variable” mean, and what caused the result?
2.Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.”
What does “native” mean, and what caused the result?
3.Read: “The creek looked shallow near the bank but deepened toward the center. Maya used the marked bridge posts instead of guessing the water level.”
What does “marked” mean, and what caused the result?
4.Read: “One article called the new park expensive, while another emphasized cleaner air and cooler streets. The budget showed high initial costs but lower maintenance expenses over time.”
What does “initial” mean, and what caused the result?
5.Read: “The council's first traffic plan shortened car trips but removed a busy crosswalk. After residents objected, the revision restored the crossing and added a protected turn lane.”
What does “revision” mean, and what caused the result?
6.Read: “During drought, the farm watered every field equally and several crops wilted. The next season, soil sensors directed water only where moisture was low.”
What does “directed” mean, and what caused the result?
7.Read: “The first model predicted flooding from rainfall alone. A revised model also included soil saturation and paved surfaces, and its predictions matched later storms more closely.”
What does “saturation” mean, and what caused the result?
8.Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.”
What does “surplus” mean, and what caused the result?
Answers and teaching notes
Use the answers to check the work after the learner finishes. For writing prompts, the guide describes what a strong response should include.
Show answers for version 9
- Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.” What does “variable” mean, and what caused the result?a factor that can change. Cause: The second team changed two factors.
- Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.” What does “native” mean, and what caused the result?originating naturally in an area. Cause: Deep roots held the soil during storms.
- Read: “The creek looked shallow near the bank but deepened toward the center. Maya used the marked bridge posts instead of guessing the water level.” What does “marked” mean, and what caused the result?labeled with measurements. Cause: The depth changed across the creek.
- Read: “One article called the new park expensive, while another emphasized cleaner air and cooler streets. The budget showed high initial costs but lower maintenance expenses over time.” What does “initial” mean, and what caused the result?occurring at the beginning. Cause: The sources emphasized different costs and benefits.
- Read: “The council's first traffic plan shortened car trips but removed a busy crosswalk. After residents objected, the revision restored the crossing and added a protected turn lane.” What does “revision” mean, and what caused the result?a changed or improved version. Cause: Residents raised concerns about the removed crosswalk.
- Read: “During drought, the farm watered every field equally and several crops wilted. The next season, soil sensors directed water only where moisture was low.” What does “directed” mean, and what caused the result?guided or sent. Cause: Soil sensors identified where moisture was low.
- Read: “The first model predicted flooding from rainfall alone. A revised model also included soil saturation and paved surfaces, and its predictions matched later storms more closely.” What does “saturation” mean, and what caused the result?the state of holding as much water as possible. Cause: The revision included additional flood-related variables.
- Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.” What does “surplus” mean, and what caused the result?an amount greater than what is needed. Cause: Electricity production and household use peaked at different times.
Worked example
Use nearby words to infer meaning, then connect the action that produced the result.
Common mistake
Using a familiar meaning that does not fit the sentence.
Helpful hint
Replace the word with your meaning and reread.