Inferring Words from Context in Spanish | Reading Comprehension Test

Reading passage

Cuando salió del hotel, empezó a llover. Marta abrió el paraguas y siguió caminando.

1. What is the most likely meaning of “paraguas” from this context?

tray reception area umbrella fountain

Reading passage

El camarero dejó la bandeja sobre la mesa y puso los platos encima.

2. What does “bandeja” most likely mean?

umbrella fountain tray reception area

Reading passage

El suelo estaba mojado y Carlos resbaló. Después se levantó lentamente.

3. What does “resbaló” most likely describe?

He became frightened. He postponed something. He slipped. He responded kindly.

Reading passage

Ana oyó un ruido detrás de la puerta y se asustó. Encendió la luz y llamó a Carlos.

4. What does “se asustó” most likely mean?

She slipped. She postponed the action. She became frightened. She responded kindly.

Reading passage

El empleado respondió amablemente.

5. What clue does the ending “-mente” provide about “amablemente”?

It is probably a noun. It is probably a past-tense verb. It is probably an adverb describing how the action happened. It is probably a place name.

Reading passage

El hotel tiene una recepción grande.

6. Why is the English similarity of “recepción” useful here?

Because visual similarity is always reliable. Because the word must mean “recipe.” Because the hotel context supports the meaning “reception/front desk area.” Because grammar shows it is a verb.

Reading passage

Actualmente trabajo desde casa.

7. What does “actualmente” mean in this sentence?

actually occasionally currently immediately

Reading passage

Estoy constipado.

8. What meaning does the lesson give for “constipado” in many Spanish contexts?

I am constipated. I am confused. I have a cold. I am hungry.

Reading passage

El conductor desvió el autobús por otra calle.

9. If “desvió” determines why passengers arrived elsewhere and you are uncertain, what should you do?

Ignore it because unknown words never matter. Guess only from English similarity. Verify it because it affects the plot or practical action. Stop reading every time an unknown word appears.

Reading passage

El parque tenía bancos, flores y una fuente. Ana se sentó y esperó a Carlos.

10. If “fuente” is unfamiliar but does not affect the main event, what does the lesson recommend?

End the reading immediately. Assume it is a false friend. Keep reading and return to the word later if needed. Translate every unknown word before continuing.

Reading passage

La tienda estaba cerrada, así que tuvimos que aplazar la compra hasta el día siguiente.

11. What does “aplazar” most likely mean?

slip become frightened postpone divert

Reading passage

The grammar, event, and result all point toward the same likely meaning of an unfamiliar word.

12. How should you rate your confidence according to the lesson?

Low confidence No confidence High confidence Confidence cannot be estimated

Spanish Context Clues Reading Quiz

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