Take 5 September 4, 2012 Use the R.A.C.E strategy to complete the Take 5 below (If you do not know what this is, I will explain). In your honest opinion, do you think reading strategies are necessary? Explain why or why not.

Writers often help readers with new or unfamiliar words by giving clues through the use of: punctuation marks special “signal” words or whole sentences which form a “context” that can define words.

Sometimes a word’s or phrases meaning is explained immediately after its use. Examples: Entomology is the study of insects. Marlene appeared infallible in class because she never seemed to get anything wrong.

The events for the sports day were listed in chronological order. They began with the first event of the day and ended with a pizza dinner in the evening. YOU TRY IT!

Sometimes a hard word or phrase is said in a simpler way or accompanied by a synonym.

Signal Words: These words signal a definition, example, or synonym : or, such as, for example, especially, like, that is, and in other words.

Examples: In many coffee shops, people drink strong coffee served in demitasse or half size cups. The divers found many mollusks which are like oysters. Meat eaters, or carnivores, are at the top of the food chain.

Readers can use clues of punctuation to infer meaning of a word. “Quotation Marks” – show the word has a special meaning (Parentheses or Brackets) --Dashes - -, Commas, All enclose a definition

Commas, Dashes, Quotation Marks and Parentheses Examples: Neve, glacial snow, is common in Antarctica. Politicians often hire companies to take a poll---interview people---about key issues. The maestro (conductor) of the orchestra raised his baton. Tom’s father was a “haberdasher”. His clothing store for men was very popular.

YOU TRY IT! Melissa was filled with mortification, or shame, because of her careless comment. His rancor, or hatred, of his family has caused him to live his life as a lonely person.

Sometimes a word or phrase is made clearer by the presentation of the opposite meaning somewhere close to its use.

Signal Words for Contrast/Antonym but however although otherwise unless instead on the other hand while never no not

Examples Rafael’s parrot was loquacious but Chad’s said very little. Adam was anxious about the test, but I was not worried at all. Two new girls moved into our neighbourhood this week. Crystal has a gregarious personality but Janet is rather quiet.

While Rachel was careful not to be seen as she peeked through the curtains, Nicole was not as cautious and was seen! Although Maria was willing to play in the ocean, Perry was reluctant because he was afraid of the water. The omnipotent debater always won his debates, unlike his weak opponents. YOU TRY IT!

Sometimes the reader must play detective, putting together clues from the surrounding sentences and making an intelligent “guess” as to the definition of a word. The meaning of an unfamiliar word can be inferred from the description of a situation or experience.

Examples: The children were so fatigued from their day of play that they could hardly eat their dinner. They dragged their selves to the table and fell asleep early. Due to a dearth of termites, the aardvark starved to death.

I ate a portion of everything on my plate. I ate a small piece of chicken, a spoonful of rice, and a bite of chocolate pie. My friend’s vociferous chatter made me wish I had earplugs. YOU TRY IT!

The elated children jumped up and down when the teacher announced that it was Playday. By anticipating her child's next move, the mother was able to catch her before she ran into the street to get her rolling ball.

Practice Using Context Clues Use the “Be a Word Detective” sheet to write a definition or synonym for each vocabulary word. In the “What Helped” section write the clues in the text that helped you guess the meaning of the word.

1. The sick man drank the elixir (medication) and almost instantly became better! 2. The wolf hid in the grotto in the side of the hill. None of the hunters saw it as they walked passed the entrance. 3. The small boy leaned over the railing of the viaduct looking at the water rushing below. 4. Mom drained the spaghetti in the colander or strainer before adding the sauce.

5. Some crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobsters, can be eaten. 6. The judge’s verdict---decision--was anxiously awaited by everyone in the courtroom. 7. The new annex to the school housed a swimming pool and an immense gym. 8. The orator walked onto the stage, placed his notes on the podium, and adjusted the microphone as he looked at the audience.

9. The boys meandered along the riverbank all afternoon, enjoying the first day of summer vacation. 10. Sam did such a laudable job of fixing his father’s car that his uncle hired him as a full time mechanic at his garage this summer!