Strategies for UnlockingWord Meaning

Intro to Context Clues

• Context refers to the words or sentences before or after an unknown word that help explain what the word means.

CC = Context clues

There are 6 different types of CC’s

1.) Definition and RestatementDef. & Restate• When a word is directly defined. Often

this is used in technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader.

• What are some types of writing that may include technical terms?

• The definition is usually not as long as in the dictionary.

• Often signaled by commas

• 2nd Column• Example: John sat at the periphery of the

audience, as far away from the stage as possible.

2nd Column

periphery means is the outskirts, or outer part, far away, on the edge.

1st Column

2.) Comparison

Sentence compares the unknown word to a word with similar meaning.

• Words that let you know it may be a comparison: in the same way, like, as, also

• Often there are similar things described

2nd Column Example: This bike route seems as arduous as the one in the Rocky Mountains that’s called Agony Trail.

2nd Column

Arduous means = Hard to do, rough, difficult

1st Column

3.) Contrast• Tells the difference

• Key words: but, instead, however, unlike

2nd Column

Example: Maria was lethargic in school, but she was a bundle of joy at cheer practice.

2nd Column

• Lethargic means: dull, drowsy, down, angry

1st Column

4.) Example• Sentence gives an example

• Key words signaling an example: for example, such as, including, other, for instance

2nd ColumnExample: Writers use many literary genres, such as poetry, the short story, and the novel, to express their ideas.

2nd Column

• Genre means kind or type of something and literary means writing or reading.

1st- 5.) CAUSE AND EFFECT C and E (cause and effect) tells us about an

action and the result of that action.• Words signaling cause and effect: because,

since, so, therefore, as a result• Cause- usually stated in unfamiliar terms.

Effect -usually in words that we already know.

• Example: Because Mark was a negligent babysitter, his younger brother wandered off and fell into the pool.

• Negligent means: careless or inattentive, not watchful.

6.) Inference

• Inference- simply guessing the meaning of an unknown word, using what you already know.

• Example- The catering company prepared a smorgasbord for lunch.

• Smorgasbord means a lunch or dinner buffet with a large variety of different foods.

• Can you guess its etymology?