Chapter 2:Using Context Clues and Word Parts

Active Reading Skills, 2/eKathleen McWhorter

Brette McWhorter Sember

PowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin

What is Context?

The words around the word you want to learn provide context clues to define the word’s meaning.

Example: During the lecture, the ornithologist described his research on western spotted owls as well as many other species of birds.

Types of Context Clues

1. Definition Clues

2. Synonym Clues

3. Example Clues

4. Contrast Clues

5. Inference Clues

Definition Clues

A writer defines a word immediately following its use.

Words and phrases are used such as: means, is, refers to, and can be defined.

Example: A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a missing body part, such as an eye, a limb, or a heart valve.

Definition Clues

Punctuation often signals a clue. Commas, parentheses, and dashes are often

used. Example: Glen was especially interested in

nephology, a branch of meteorology that deals with clouds.

Example: Middle age (35-65 years) is a time for strengthening and maintaining life’s goals.

Example: Many societies are patriarchal—males exert dominant power and authority.

Synonym Clues

A writer provides a word or brief phrase that is close in meaning.

The synonym may appear in the same sentence or in a later sentence.

Examples of Synonym Clues

The author purposely left the ending of his novel ambiguous, or unclear, so readers would have to decide for themselves what happened.

After the soccer match, a melee broke out in the parking lot. Three people were injured in the brawl, and several others were arrested.

Example Clues

A writer often includes examples that help to explain or clarify a word.

They use words and phrases such as: to illustrate, for instance, for example, such as, and including.

Example: Microscopic pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, constantly threaten our health as we go about our daily lives.

Contrast Clues

It is sometimes possible to determine the meaning of an unknown word from a word or phrase that has an opposite meaning.

Example: At the wedding reception, the parents of the bride seemed to welcome all the attention whereas the groom’s parents eschewed it by staying at their table.

Inference Clues

Many times you can figure out the meaning of an unknown word by using logic and reasoning skills.

Example: Langston Hughes was a protean writer; although he is known mainly for his poetry, he also wrote plays, novels, short stories, children’s books, songs, and essays.

What Are Word Parts?

Prefixes – beginning of a word Suffixes – end of a word Roots – the core of a word’s

meaning; usually combined with a suffix and/or prefix

Example of Word Parts

The parents thought their child was unteachable.

(Prefix) un = not (Root) teach = help someone learn (Suffix) able = able to do something Unteachable = not able to be taught

Prefixes - Beginnings of Words

Prefixes + Root = New Word dis + respect = disrespect Meaning: not + respect = lack

of respect

See Table 2-1 for Common Prefixes

Roots – Core Meaning of Words

Root dic/dict means “tell or say.”

Dictate = to speak for someone to write down

Dictionary = a book that “tells” what words mean

See Table 2-2 for Common Roots

Roots

When you see a word you don’t know:

1. Look for the root first.

2. Keep in mind that the spelling of a root may change a bit if it is combined with a suffix.

Suffixes – Word Endings

Root + Suffix = New Word class + ify = classify (verb) class + ic + classic (adjective) class _ ification =

classification (noun)

See Table 2-3 for Common Suffixes

Evaluating Your Progress

Use the “Vocabulary” module in the Reading Skills section on the MyReadingLab Web site at http://www.ablongman.com/myreadinglab.

For extra practice visit the Companion Web site.

http://www.ablongman.com/mcwhorter