Improving Comprehension by Using Context Clues Reading 56

What is context? Context refers to the words, sentences, or even paragraphs that surround a word.

How do you use context clues?  When you use context clues, you use the words that you know in a selection to make an intelligent guess about the meaning of an unknown word.  For example: During the concert, the audience was quiet, but afterward the crowd became boisterous.

Why should I use context clues? Using context clues is a powerful strategy that can help you figure out the meaning of unknown words. Using context clues can help you develop your vocabulary long term.

Is this really all about guessing? Even though the idea of guessing might seem like not the best idea, intelligent guessing is very important in reading. English has so many words that no one can know them all. Good readers often use context clues when they meet unfamiliar vocabulary.

What are the advantages to using context clues? 1. You do not have to interrupt your reading to go to the dictionary. 2. You can rely on your own common sense. Common sense is one of your best learning tools.

Have I ever done this before? You probably already use context clues though you do not realize it. For example, context clues is the only way that you choose the correct meaning for words that have more than one meaning, such as hot. You must use context clues to figure out what the word hot means in the following sentences. The fire is hot. The chili pepper is hot. Yvette has a hot temper. In which sentence does hot mean: Quick, emotional? Having a high temperature? Spicy?

Can I see another example? What are the meanings of the word concession in the following sentences? He bought some food at the hot dog concession. Because the country wanted peace, leaders made a concession of land to the enemy. In which sentence does concession mean: Something that is surrendered or given up? A business that sells things?

When should I use context clues and when should I use a dictionary? Context clues and the dictionary are natural partners in helping you determine the meaning of unknown words. Context clues usually suggest an approximate meaning for a word and allow you to continue reading without interruption. The fewer interruptions you make while reading, the easier it will be for you to understand the text’s main ideas and meaning, thereby improving comprehension. If need be, after you are finished reading, you can look up the word in the dictionary.

Definition Context Clues  Definition Clues: These are clues when a writer directly or indirectly defines a word immediately after its use.  Definition clues are signaled by the following words: “is,” “refers to,” “can be defined as,” “means,” “consists of,” “involves,” “is a term that,” “is called,” “is characterized by,” “occurs when,” “are those that,” “entails.”

Definition Clues Formal Definition: Meaning stated directly. Example: Induction refers to the process of reasoning from the known to the unknown. Informal Definition: Not a complete definition, but sufficient information is included to give the reader a general idea of the meaning so that you can continue reading without stopping to check a dictionary. Tip: Usually set apart from the main part of a sentence by commas or parentheses. Example: There was a consensus, or agreement, among the faculty to require one term paper for each course.

Example Context Clues Example Clues: This is a way to decipher the meaning of the unknown word by focusing on the examples that are included in the context. Examples are signaled by transitional words/phrases: “such as,” “for example,” “for instance,” “to illustrate.” Example: Toxic materials, such as arsenic, asbestos, pesticides, and lead, can cause permanent bodily damage.

Contrast (Opposition) Context Clues Contrast Clues: This is a way to decipher the meaning of an unknown word from a word or phrase in the context that has the opposite meaning. Contrast Clues are signaled to the reader with transitional phrases/words: “even though,” “although,” “on the other hand,” “however,” “despite,” “rather,” “while,” “yet,” and “nevertheless.” Example: I loathe cats even though most of my friends love them.

Inference (Substitution) Context Clues Many times you can figure out the word’s meaning by “inferring” the meaning. In other words, you use the information in the sentence to draw a logical conclusion about the word’s meaning. Example: After tasting and eating most of seven different desserts, my appetite was completely satiated.

Review What are the four types of context clues? Definition Example Contrast/Opposition Inference/Logic/Substitution