Context Clues

When you read, you may encounter unfamiliar words, often you can use context clues (the words around the unfamiliar word) to figure out the meaning of these words. When you read, you may encounter unfamiliar words, often you can use context clues (the words around the unfamiliar word) to figure out the meaning of these words.

1. Synonyms Same Meaning Ex- Connie’s glum expression mirrored her gloomy mood.

2. Antonyms Opposite Meaning Ex- The house had a sinister quality, but its owners appeared good and kind.

3. Definition Ex- An excerpt is a short section that is taken from a longer piece of writing.

4. Restatement To state again Ex- The exterior, or outside, of the home had signs of decay.

5. Examples within the sentence Ex- A catastrophe, such as an earthquake or a flood, can cause widespread destruction

Practice 1 Some people think of jogging as recreation, but to others, it is hard work.

Answer Choices Practice 1 Play Play Difficulty Difficulty Duty Duty Success Success CLUES FROM PASSAGE:

Practice 2 The dog looked sad and forlorn as it searched for its master.

Answer Choices Practice 2 Naughty Naughty Cleaver Cleaver Miserable Miserable Curious Curious CLUES FROM PASSAGE:

Practice 3 Brea and Elizabeth are having a dispute over which radio station to play at work. It would be so much simpler if they both liked the same kind of music.

Answer Choices Practice 3 Musical instrument Musical instrument Choice of music Choice of music Discovery Discovery Disagreement Disagreement CLUES FROM PASSAGE:

Practice 4 It’s a wonder to me how anyone can still be undecided about this election. These two candidates are certainly distinct. Each would lead our nation in opposite directions.

Answer Choices Practice 4 Needing a bath Needing a bath Dishonest Dishonest Clearly different Clearly different About the same age About the same age CLUES FROM PASSAGE:

Practice 5 Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. “We have such an extensive selection of cars,” he said, “so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!”

Answer Choices Practice 5 Costing a lot of money Costing a lot of money Large amount Large amount Having no color Having no color Not enough Not enough CLUES FROM PASSAGE:

Practice – write your own definition of the underlined words “Usually, I don’t like to speculate,” the antique dealer said. “But at first glance I’d guess that this silver bowl dates back to the 1700s. The workmanship is exquisite. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I’d have to examine it more closely, of course, but its probably worth about $50,000.” The woman tried to act nonchalant. “That’s very interesting,” she said coolly, as if she didn’t care. “I recognized its beauty myself, but I didn’t realize it was so old.

Practice – write your own definition of the underlined words The Sun Reporter: Jamie, you are quite an enterprising young man. There aren't too many other fifth graders who have the energy and daring to start their own business. What makes you so unique? The Sun Reporter: Jamie, you are quite an enterprising young man. There aren't too many other fifth graders who have the energy and daring to start their own business. What makes you so unique? Jamie Edwards: I don’t think I’m that different from other children my age. However, I do have a lot of enthusiasm, or eagerness, to succeed. I think that’s really important because running a business is a challenge. Jamie Edwards: I don’t think I’m that different from other children my age. However, I do have a lot of enthusiasm, or eagerness, to succeed. I think that’s really important because running a business is a challenge.