REA 0002 Chapter One Vocabulary in Context

4 types of Context Clues  Examples – the author gives you examples that relate to an unknown word.  From these examples, you can often get hints that will be able to figure out the meaning of the unknown word.  Words that signal when examples are being used: for example…for instance…such as…including

Practice  The students showed all the signs of apathy, including scribbling instead of taking notes, constantly looking at the clock and writing messages to one another.  Apathy means  lack of interest  curiosity  attention

Another example  Many healthy elderly people are vigorous enough to enjoy such activities as swimming, jogging, and biking.  Vigorous means  having difficulty learning  having energy  childlike

And yet one more  In a hospital emergency room, it is common to see such gruesome sights as burned skin and bleeding wounds.  Gruesome means  false  common  horrible

Practice in the book!  Practice 1 – Examples (p 17 – 18)  Volunteer to do one of them!

Another type  Synonyms  One or more words that mean the same or almost the same as the unknown word.  Cell phones are ubiquitous; you see and hear them everywhere.  What is the synonym?

Example  No one likes a chronic complainer like Simon, who criticizes everything all the time.  Chronic means:  A. rare  B. common  C. messy

Example 2  To prolong your life, you should consider getting married. Married people live longer than people who stay single.  Prolong means:  A. make shorter.  B. make longer.  C. make duller.

And yet one more!  The small record store had large jazz and rock sections, but not much in the category of country music.  Category means:  a. Goal.  b. Feeling.  c. Group.

Book Practice!  Practice 2 - Synonyms – (p 19 – 20)  Again jump right in.

Antonyms  Another form of context clue – antonym.  Antonyms – words and phrases that mean the opposite of a word.  Signal words: however, but, yet, on the other hand, in contrast.  A memo that is brief and to the point is more likely to be read than one that is verbose and rambling.

An Example  Soap opera is a made-for-TV illusion. Yet many fans of one show were so convinced of its reality that they sent gifts when a character got married.  Illusion means:  A. stupidity.  B. appearance of reality.  C. fun

Another example  It is important to keep alert in class. If you are sleepy, you may miss a key point.  Alert means:  A. notes  B. quiet  C. wide-awake

One final example  “Your paper should be more coherent.” my English teacher wrote. “In places, it is poorly organized and lacking in logic.”  Coherent means:  A. disorganized  B. detailed  C. organized and logical

Yeah!!! More Book Practice!  Practice 3 - Antonyms (p 21 – 22)  Jump right in and give us your answer.

The last context clue!  General Sense of the sentence or passage.  You will draw a conclusion based on the information that you are given.  Certain foreign officials in this country have immunity from our laws; they can’t be arrested even for murder.

Let’s practice!  With just a few pieces of clothing, a good designer can put together a versatile wardrobe. By matching just the right clothes and jewelry, one can have casual, work, and dressy outfits.  Versatile means:  A. expensive  B. large  C. all purpose

One more time!  Watching television seems to be as vital to some people as food and air.  Vital means:  A. difficult  B. necessary  C. unimportant

The very last practice here.  When an Asian volcano blew up in 1883, the sound was audible three thousand miles away.  Audible means:  A. able to be seen  B. able to be heard  C. able to be felt

But now you have a few from the book!  Practice 4 – (p 24 – 25)  I know you have had enough, but…soon you will be on your own.

Summary  Authors give you context clues to help you figure out unfamiliar words. There are four different kinds of clues.  Example –  Synonym –  Antonym –  General sense of the passage/sentence.

Group Work  Review Test 1 (p 27)  Review Test 2 (p 28 – 29)  Review Test 3 (p 29 – 30)  Home work – Review Test 4 (p 31-35)  Mastery Tests 3 and 4 (p 41-44)