Grade 5 English - Meaning of Academic Words in Textbooks — Flashcards

While reading a textbook especially for science or social studies, students are going to run across specific words and terms that relate to the topic. Students may struggle with knowing the meanings of these terms because they have never seen them before. In this case, students should use the same tactics that they have used before in determining the meanings of unknown words. They should use context clues and break down words based on their Greek or Latin roots or affixes.

Determine the meaning of the word based on the context clues and its roots and affixes:

Hurricanes can impact cities located along the coastline and even many miles further inland. If a hurricane is forecasted, an advisory may be issued to warn those living in its path. Before the hurricane makes landfall, the residents of cities should take precautions. If a city gets a direct hit from a hurricane or tropical cyclone, damage could be done to both property and people’s lives.

To avoid getting injured, people should evacuate their city and live inland until the storm is over. However, hurricanes and tropical cyclones can shift and take a different path at any time. If someone encounters a hurricane or cyclone, a suggestion would be to board up the windows, if possible. Also, remain under a heavy table or other inside room that doesn’t have windows on the main level of the house or structure until the storm is over. This will protect you from falling trees, debris and flooding of water into the home. If the home begins to flood, residents should seek higher ground. After the hurricane, it is suggested that those affected should initially make sure all people are uninjured. Finding appropriate ways to get those who are injured to the hospital should take place first.