English III

January 23, 2013

Ms. Roule

Bellringer- choose and explain• We have never relinquished our skepticism of central

authority, nor have we succumbed to the fiction that all society’s ills can be cured by gov’t.

• As used in the above sentence, the word succumbed most nearly means:

A. Doubted

B. Allowed

C. Given in

D. Denied

AGENDA

1. Context Clues - Notes and Application(s)

Today’s Standard

• Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings

Types of Context Clues – Notes!

• Synonym

• Antonym

• Definition/Explanation

• Example

Synonym Clues

• A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence.

• My opponent's argument is fallacious, misleading – plain wrong.

Antonym Clues

• A word or group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of an unknown term.

• Although some men are loquacious, others hardly talk at all.

Definition/Explanation Clues

• The unknown word is explained within the sentence or in a sentence immediately preceding.

• The patient is so somnolent that she requires medication to help her stay awake for more than a short time.

Example Clues

• Specific examples are used to define the term.

• Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable laws.

Application 1- due today!

• Complete the provided handout by

–Defining the word

–Identifying which type of context clue is used

Application 2 – Due at beginning of class Thursday!

• Select any 10 words from your annotation of Obama’s inauguration speech.

• For each word, write down:–The sentence in which the word appears–What you think the word means, based

on context–The type of context clue used

Key to Application 1 1.Type of Context Clue–antonym 

definition of vociferous–talkative; outspoken2.Type of Context Clue–example definition pedagogical–having to do with teaching3.Type of Context Clue–explanation definition of parsimonious–stingy; tightfisted4.Type of Context Clue–synonym definition of pertinacity–mulish; stubborn

Key to Application 1, cont’d 5.Type of Context Clue–antonym 

definition of clandestine–secret; hidden6.Type of Context Clue–example definition of ecclesiastics–member of the clergy7.Type of Context Clue–synonymdefinition of churlish–rude8.Type of Context Clue–explanation definition of conflagration–fire