As you're reading, you can often figure out the meaning of an unknown word by looking at the words and phrases that surround it. The familiar words and phrases that help you determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word are called context clues.

Question

Here are some examples of how context clues can be used to determine the meaning of unknown words:

"Marta attempted to placate the angry customer by offering him a free cup of coffee."

From the sentence, you can guess that Marta's kind gesture was meant to calm the angry customer. The context helps you understand that placate means "to make someone less angry."

>>> Read the paragraph below and then answer the question.

The Nobel Prize is considered the highest accolade for many disciplines. However, many critics have argued that the rules used by Nobel Prize selection committees have caused deserving individuals to be overlooked. One of the most controversial rules prohibits a single prize from being shared by more than three people. Another contentious rule bans posthumous awards, or awards recognizing the work of individuals who are no longer living.

What is the meaning of contentious as used in the passage?
*
1 point
A, disputed
B, well known
C, unwritten
D, ineffective

Answer 1

The meaning of "contentious" as used in the passage can be inferred from the context. The word is used in the phrase "Another contentious rule," suggesting that the rule in question causes disagreement or is the subject of disputes.

Based on this context, the best answer is:

A, disputed.