Context Clues

What are context clues? 6 minutes (independent) Use the BAV method (word map) to illustrate your understanding of context clues 2 minutes (collaborate) Round Robin with your team to discuss your definition of context clues

"The vixen was not as fortunate.“ Let’s Try! "The vixen was not as fortunate.“ Discuss with shoulder partner, what you think the word vixen means.

Let’s Try Again! “The vixen was not as fortunate as her mate, and was caught in the steel-jawed trap. Her red pelt would bring a good price.”

There are generally FOUR different types of context clues: Notes There are generally FOUR different types of context clues: Definitions Antonyms (contrast) Synonyms (similar) Inference

Definitions The word is defined directly and clearly in the sentence in which it appears. “The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to settle the dispute, arrived at her decision.” What does arbitrator mean?

Antonyms (contrast) Often signaled by the words whereas, unlike, or as opposed to. “Unlike Jamal’s room, which was immaculate, Jeffrey’s room was very messy.” What does the words immaculate mean?

Synonyms (similar) Other words are used in the sentence with similar meanings. “The slender woman was so thin her clothes were too big on her.” What does the word slender mean?

Inference Word meanings are not directly described, but need to be inferred from the context. “Walt’s pugnacious behavior made his opponent back down.” What do the word pugnacious mean?

LPR3 Method Look - before, at, and after the new word Predict - quickly predict the word’s meaning, remembering that a wrong prediction is often a good start Reason - think more carefully about the word’s meaning, trying to be as precise as the context clues permit Resolve - recognize that you may need to take other steps (look it up, ask someone) Redo - go through the steps again, if necessary