The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County / Mark Twain

Test Practice

Use Context Clues

With your partner, discuss how to answer this question about the vocabulary used in the selection.

Read this sentence from the story.
If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.
a. strengthen
b. disgust
c. satisfy
d. worsen


What is the best synonym for deteriorate in the question above? How did the information you gathered during reading help you eliminate incorrect answers?

The Internet sites referenced here may include third-party Web sites or resources. Although EMC Paradigm Publishing reviews these sites regularly, we cannot guarantee their appropriateness, accuracy or ongoing availability. We encourage teachers to preview the sites before students access them.