Context Clues

* The context of a word is made up of three main things: * The sentence that contains the word and possible clue words * The surrounding sentences (the paragraph) * The passage and its meaning * The words and information in these sentences are clues to the unfamiliar word’s meaning.

Nora’s clothing, with its high neckline and low hem length, gave her a demure appearance. A. Daring B. Playful C. Modest D. Dress

* A high neckline and low hem length definitely don’t scream daring to most people, so you can eliminate A. * One wouldn’t say that they are playful either, so you can eliminate B. * Dress doesn’t make sense, since the sentence is about a dress. * The best choice here is C: modest.

* Define the word frugal. * Read the sentence. * Because Cassady was frugal with purchases, she usually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the end of the week. * I must pay special attention to the word frugal.

* Notice how the word is used. * Frugal is a quality of Cassady. It is an adjective because it describes a noun. * I should look for an answer choice that is an adjective.

* Look for clues in the sentence. * Clues are “purchases,” “dollars,” and “left.” * The clues have to do with money – having money left after buying things.

* Decide what you think the word means. * Based on the clues, frugal could mean “cheap.” * I’ll substitute cheap in the sentence in place of frugal. * Yes, it makes sense.

* Look for an answer choice matching your definition. * The answer choices are: a) Frightened b) Thrifty c) Impulsive d) Rich * Cheap isn’t among the choices, but thrifty most closely relates to the meaning I’m looking for. I’ll choose B.

* Context clues in paragraphs work exactly the same way: * Read the sentence, then read the entire paragraph again. * Notice how the word is used. * Look for clues in the paragraph. * Decide what you think the word means. * Look for an answer choice matching your definition.