English 7 Using Context Clues (to help you read with more understanding)

(try dividing the word up into syllables) When you come across a word you don’t know, first try to sound it out. The detective looked for evidence to solve the mystery. ev-i-dence (try dividing the word up into syllables)

Verbs show action or often end with -ed, -ing, or –ize. Is the word a verb? Is it an action word? Verbs show action or often end with -ed, -ing, or –ize. Can you find the verb? Maria hesitated before she crossed the busy street.

Julio likes to play the xylophone during band practice. Is the word a noun? Is it a person, place, or thing? It might end in –er, -or, -ist, -ment, or –tion. Does it have a, an, or the in front of it? Can you find the noun? Julio likes to play the xylophone during band practice.

The ferocious roar of the lion made everyone back away from the cage. Is the word an adjective or an adverb? These are “describing” words. Can you find the adjective? The ferocious roar of the lion made everyone back away from the cage.

Look for clues in the sentence to help you find what the word means. It might be a definition: Jill uses a strong resin, or sticky glue, to hold the two pieces together.

Look for clues in the sentence to help you find what the word means. It might be an example: Jeremy likes all the football positions, but he likes to play linebacker the best.

The soldier grasped a sword, and held it firmly in his hand. Look for clues in the sentence to help you find what the word means. It might be a synonym: The soldier grasped a sword, and held it firmly in his hand.

(yesterday he felt sick) Look for clues in the sentence to help you find what the word means. It might be a antonym: Jake was feeling nauseous yesterday, but he’s feeling well today. (yesterday he felt sick)

(shrill – a high pitch sound) You might need to read the entire paragraph to help you find the meaning of the word. We heard a shrill sound, and walked up the stairs to investigate. It was coming from my older sister’s room. We walked down the hallway and peeked into her bedroom. She was lying on her bed practicing her new flute. (shrill – a high pitch sound)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? Sara is able to work independently, often solving difficult problems by herself. (She can work well by herself, without much help.)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? Many people hesitated, instead of rushing into the rough water. (waited)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? The drivers took a detour around the construction site, rather than trying to drive through rocks and sand. (another route)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? There was a skirmish among the wolves, as they each fought to get a piece of the meat. (fight)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? When it began to thunder, the workers hastily picked up their tools, and ended up leaving some behind. (quickly)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? Our new puppy doesn’t like being confined in his pen. (kept in, caged in, held)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? Katie scored the winning goal, so we were victorious. (we won)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? The piano player floundered in front of the audience, missing many notes. (made mistakes)

(to examine to find out the value in dollars) Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? My mom wanted a jeweler to appraise her diamond, so she would know how much it was worth. (to examine to find out the value in dollars) (if you’re in the U.S.)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? We were all startled by the loud clap of thunder. (scared or surprised)

Use context clues to tell what the underlined word means? The paraffin from the burning candle dripped onto grandma’s new carpet. (wax)

Great Job!

(to help you read with more understanding) Name____________________________________ Using Context Clues (to help you read with more understanding) When you come across a word you don’t know, first try to _______________________________. Ask yourself if the word is a… v________________________, n________________________, a________________________, or an a________________________. Look for clues in the sentence. It might be a… d ________________________ or an e ________________________. Or it might be a s ________________________ or an a ________________________. You might need to read the entire ____________________________. ?

(to help you read with more understanding) Answer Key Name____________________________________ Using Context Clues (to help you read with more understanding) sound it out When you come across a word you don’t know, first try to _______________________________. Ask yourself if the word is a… verb noun adjective or an adverb Look for clues in the sentence. It might be a… definition or an example. Or it might be a synonym or an antonym. You might need to read the entire paragraph. ?