Context CluesContext Clues

DefinitionDefinition

Words, phrases, and sentences around the Words, phrases, and sentences around the word that is unfamiliar.word that is unfamiliar.

Example:Example: I drove my lsdklsdjklf to school and parked it I drove my lsdklsdjklf to school and parked it

in the rack by the main office.in the rack by the main office.

Kinds of Context CluesKinds of Context Clues

1. Definitions or synonyms1. Definitions or synonyms Key words: or, is called, that is, in other Key words: or, is called, that is, in other

words.words.

Example: Joe was a Example: Joe was a spendthrift, that is, a spendthrift, that is, a big spender, big spender, and always came home with a and always came home with a trunk full of bags.trunk full of bags.

2. Concrete example2. Concrete example

The writer gives you an exampleThe writer gives you an example

Antigens can be divided into two groups: Antigens can be divided into two groups: foreign antigens and self antigens. foreign antigens and self antigens. Foreign Foreign antigens are introduced from outsideantigens are introduced from outside the the body.body.

3. Contrast Clues3. Contrast Clues

Authors include the opposite meaning to Authors include the opposite meaning to clarify the meaning of a hard word.clarify the meaning of a hard word.

Example: Example: His old sneakers and plaid jacket His old sneakers and plaid jacket looked out of placelooked out of place at the at the elegantelegant restaurant.restaurant.

4. Description Clues4. Description Clues

The author will describe what the word The author will describe what the word means.means.

Example: Mrs. B. works as a Example: Mrs. B. works as a liaison liaison between teachers and home by calling and between teachers and home by calling and emailing both teachers and parents.emailing both teachers and parents.

5. Words or Phrases that Modify5. Words or Phrases that Modify

Adjectives, adverbs, or phrases and clauses Adjectives, adverbs, or phrases and clauses provide clues to the meaning.provide clues to the meaning.

The cabin was in a The cabin was in a remoteremote area, without area, without roads, houses, or cell phone towers.roads, houses, or cell phone towers.

6. Conjunctions showing 6. Conjunctions showing relationshipsrelationships

Link unfamiliar words with new ones by Link unfamiliar words with new ones by words like and, but, or, nor, for, and yet.words like and, but, or, nor, for, and yet.

Example: He saw the Example: He saw the podiatristpodiatrist yesterday yesterday morning, morning, but his foot still was sorebut his foot still was sore..

7. Unstated or Implied Meanings7. Unstated or Implied Meanings

Draw on your own experience to figure out Draw on your own experience to figure out the meaning of a word.the meaning of a word.

Example: The gym was in complete Example: The gym was in complete chaoschaos; ; we had just won the game in double we had just won the game in double overtime, and there wasn’t any adult aroundovertime, and there wasn’t any adult around..

PracticePractice

The product is available in two sizes, large The product is available in two sizes, large and ___________.and ___________.

Hint?Hint?

It’s impossible to fit a square peg in a It’s impossible to fit a square peg in a _________________ hole._________________ hole.

Hint?Hint?

__________, a mixture of hydrogen and __________, a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, is essential for life.oxygen, is essential for life.

HintHint

Cover your head if you are going out in the Cover your head if you are going out in the pouring ___________.pouring ___________.

Hint?Hint?

The __________, weeks, and months pass The __________, weeks, and months pass quickly during the school year.quickly during the school year.

Hint: seriesHint: series

An expert is a person who knows more and An expert is a person who knows more and more about __________ and less.more about __________ and less.

Hint:Hint:

Hire a ______________ who knows how to Hire a ______________ who knows how to fix broken pipes.fix broken pipes.

Hint:Hint:

The difference is as great as night and The difference is as great as night and _____________._____________.

Hint:Hint:

When 5 o’clock comes, many workers leave When 5 o’clock comes, many workers leave the city for the ___________.the city for the ___________.

Hint:Hint:

A famous surgeon was called in to perform A famous surgeon was called in to perform the _______________.the _______________.

Hint:Hint:

Without a _________, you are not allowed Without a _________, you are not allowed to drive a car.to drive a car.

Voters lined up at the __________ on Voters lined up at the __________ on election day.election day.

Although he took several aspirin, his Although he took several aspirin, his ______________ remained.______________ remained.

Don’t tell a soul; it’s supposed to be a Don’t tell a soul; it’s supposed to be a _________________._________________.

The police have questioned several The police have questioned several _____________________._____________________.