Context Clues

Definition  Words, phrases, and sentences around the word that is unfamiliar.  Example:  I drove my lsdklsdjklf to school and parked it in the rack by the main office.

Kinds of Context Clues  1. Definitions or synonyms  Key words: or, is called, that is, in other words.  Example: Joe was a spendthrift, that is, a big spender, and always came home with a trunk full of bags.

2. Concrete example  The writer gives you an example  Antigens can be divided into two groups: foreign antigens and self antigens. Foreign antigens are introduced from outside the body.

3. Contrast Clues  Authors include the opposite meaning to clarify the meaning of a hard word.  Example: His old sneakers and plaid jacket looked out of place at the elegant restaurant.

4. Description Clues  The author will describe what the word means.  Example: Mrs. B. works as a liaison between teachers and home by calling and ing both teachers and parents.

5. Words or Phrases that Modify  Adjectives, adverbs, or phrases and clauses provide clues to the meaning.  The cabin was in a remote area, without roads, houses, or cell phone towers.

6. Conjunctions showing relationships  Link unfamiliar words with new ones by words like and, but, or, nor, for, and yet.  Example: He saw the podiatrist yesterday morning, but his foot still was sore.

7. Unstated or Implied Meanings  Draw on your own experience to figure out the meaning of a word.  Example: The gym was in complete chaos; we had just won the game in double overtime, and there wasn’t any adult around.

Practice  The product is available in two sizes, large and ___________.  Hint?

 It’s impossible to fit a square peg in a _________________ hole.  Hint?

 __________, a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, is essential for life.  Hint

 Cover your head if you are going out in the pouring ___________.  Hint?

 The __________, weeks, and months pass quickly during the school year.  Hint: series

 An expert is a person who knows more and more about __________ and less.  Hint:

 Hire a ______________ who knows how to fix broken pipes.  Hint:

 The difference is as great as night and _____________.  Hint:

 When 5 o’clock comes, many workers leave the city for the ___________.  Hint:

 A famous surgeon was called in to perform the _______________.  Hint:

 Without a _________, you are not allowed to drive a car.

 Voters lined up at the __________ on election day.

 Although he took several aspirin, his ______________ remained.

 Don’t tell a soul; it’s supposed to be a _________________.

 The police have questioned several _____________________.