The debate over whether dogs or cats made better pets had become so contentious that soon students were shouting at each other. Only when the teacher rang a loud bell did the arguing finally stop.Which word or phrase is NOT a useful context clue to help you find the meaning of contentious?
options are dogs or cats, debate, shouting at each other, and arguing.
The word or phrase that is NOT a useful context clue to help you find the meaning of contentious is "dogs or cats." This is because the debate mentioned in the sentence revolves around whether dogs or cats make better pets, and it does not provide any direct information about the meaning of contentious.
The word or phrase that is NOT a useful context clue to help you find the meaning of "contentious" is "dogs or cats."
In order to find the word or phrase that is NOT a useful context clue to help you find the meaning of "contentious," let's examine each option:
1. "dogs or cats" - This is not a relevant clue to the meaning of "contentious." The debate over whether dogs or cats make better pets is mentioned to highlight the intensity of the argument, rather than directly explaining the meaning of "contentious."
2. "debate" - This is a relevant clue to the meaning of "contentious," as it implies a disagreement or contentious discussion.
3. "shouting at each other" - This is a relevant clue to the meaning of "contentious," as it demonstrates the heightened emotions and conflict involved in the argument.
4. "arguing" - This is a relevant clue to the meaning of "contentious" since arguing suggests a strong disagreement or contention.
Based on the analysis above, the phrase "dogs or cats" is the option that is NOT a useful context clue to help you find the meaning of "contentious."