Using Context Clues

Punctuation Marks Commas, dashes, and parentheses are sometimes followed by a synonym (a word that has the same meaning), a short definition, an example, or a restatement of the word to help the reader.

Commas, Dashes, and Parentheses Examples: Neve, glacial snow, is common in Antarctica. Advertisers often take a poll---interview people---about a new product. The maestro (conductor) of the St. Louis Orchestra entered the concert hall.

Definition or Restatement The meaning of the vocabulary word is in the sentence itself, usually following the vocabulary word. Examples: There is great prosperity in the country but many citizens are living in poverty. Some celestial bodies, such as the planets and stars, can be seen with the naked eye.

Definition or Restatement The manager wanted a weekly inspection, which is a methodical examination of all the equipment. There was a lot of tangible evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, to prove them guilty. There is a 30 percent chance of precipitation, such as snow or sleet.

Synonyms The sentence uses a similar word to help explain the meaning of the vocabulary word. Examples: It was an idyllic day; sunny, warm and perfect for a walk in the park. She hums continuously, or all the time, and it annoys me.

Synonyms The dates are listed in chronological order. They start at the beginning and end with the last event. Her animosity, or hatred, of her sister had divided the family. Bill felt remorse, or shame, for his harsh words. This situation is a conundrum - a puzzle.

Antonym / Opposite / Contrast The sentence uses a word with an opposite definition to give the meaning of the vocabulary word. Examples: Emma had a lot of anxiety about the exam but I had no worries about it. Marty is gregarious, not like his brother who is quiet and shy.

Antonym / Opposite / Contrast She is a famous singing star in her country but unknown to the rest of the world. I am willing to hike in the mountains, but he is reluctant because it gets so cold walking up and down the trails.

Signal Words These words signal a definition, example, or synonym : or, such as, for example, especially, like, that is, and in other words.

Signal Words Examples: In New Orleans, people drink a strong coffee served in demitasse or half size cups. Pearls are found in mollusks like oysters.

Context of the Text Sometimes the reader must play detective, putting together clues from the surrounding sentences and making an intelligent “guess” as to the definition of a word.

Context of the Text Example: The children were so fatigued from their all day hike that they could hardly eat their dinner. They dragged their bodies to the dinner table and almost fell asleep in their plates!

Practice Using Context Clues Find a definition or synonym for each underlined word. Detrmine what clues in the text helped you guess the meaning of the word.

1. The sick man drank the elixir (medication) and almost instantly became better! 2. The wolf hid in the grotto in the side of the hill. None of the hunters saw it as they walked passed the entrance. 3. The small boy leaned over the railing of the viaduct looking at the water rushing below. 4. Mom drained the spaghetti in the colander or strainer before adding the sauce.

5. Some crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobsters, can be eaten. 6. The judge’s verdict---decision--was anxiously awaited by everyone in the courtroom. 7. The new annex to the school housed a swimming pool and an immense gym. 8. The orator walked onto the stage, placed his notes on the podium, and adjusted the microphone as he looked at the audience.

9. The boys meandered along the riverbank all afternoon, enjoying the first day of summer vacation. 10. Sam did such a laudable job of fixing his father’s car that his uncle hired him as a full time mechanic at his garage this summer!

Answers 1. Medicine or medication; clues are the parentheses ( ) around the synonym. 2. Cave; clues are the words side of the hill and entrance 3. Bridge; clues are the words railing, rushing water, and below. 4. Strainer; clue is the word or before a synonym.

5. Sea creature with a hard exoskeleton; Clues are the words such as followed by examples. 6. Decision or judgement; clues are the dashes before and after the synonym. 7. An addition to a building; clues are the words new, and housed. 8. Speaker; clues are the words stage, podium, microphone, and audience.

9. Wander aimlessly; clues are the words along, all afternoon, enjoy. 10. Admirable; clues are hired, full time mechanic, and fixing.