Guide to College Reading, 8/e Kathleen T. McWhorter Chapter 2 Using Context Clues PowerPoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin St. Cloud State University, MN Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

THIS CHAPTER WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO: Figure out the meaning of words from their use in a sentence Use five types of context clues Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

WHAT IS CONTEXT? Most Americans can speak only one_____. Europeans, however, _____ several. As a result, Europeans think _____ are unfriendly and unwilling to communicate with them. Phobias, such as fear of heights, water, or confined spaces, are difficult to eliminate. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES DEFINITION SYNONYM EXAMPLE CONTRAST INFERENCE Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Definition Clues Definition = a brief definition or a synonym. Example: Corona refers to the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Synonym Clues Synonym clues—a word or brief phrase that is close in meaning. Example: Mia Hamm’s superior ability and prowess on the soccer field have inspired many girls to become athletes. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Example Clues Example clues—specific instances or examples that clarify a word’s meaning. Example: Forest floors are frequently covered with fungi---molds, mushrooms, and mildews. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Contrast Clues A word or phrase that has an opposite meaning. Example: One of the dinner guests succumbed to the temptation to have a second piece of cake, but the others resisted. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Inference Clues Inference Clues - the use of reasoning skills to figure out word meanings. Example: Bob is quite versatile; he is a good student, a top athlete, an excellent car mechanic, and a gourmet cook. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

THE LIMITATIONS OF CONTEXT CLUES Context clues seldom lead to a complete definition. Sometimes a sentence does not contain clues to a word’s meaning. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

LEARNING STYLE TIPS Auditory learner: Reading the context aloud Visual learner: Visualizing the context Are you an auditory learner or a visual learner? Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

SELF-TEST SUMMARY What are context clues used for? What are the five types of context clues? Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

Visit the Companion Website www.ablongman.com/mcwhorter For additional readings, exercises, and Internet Activities, visit this book’s Companion Website. If you need a user name and password, see your instructor. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

My Reading Lab For more practice on concentration, visit MyReadingLab, click on the Reading Skills tab, and then click on Vocabulary—The Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. www.myreadinglab.com Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

TEST-TAKING TIPS: Using Context If you are being asked the meaning of a particular word, there is probably a way to figure it out. Read beyond the word in question to find a clue to its meaning. When you are unsure about your answer in a multiple choice question about the meaning of a word, first try to eliminate one or more choices. Then substitute the choice(s) you are considering for the unknown word in the sentence. Choose the choice that makes the most sense and seems to fit. Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers