Word Study Ms. Perez GCU: TEC 571 July 17, 2013

Objective: By the end of this presentation I will be able to use context clues to determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text.  Six types of context clues 1. Definition 2. Example-illustration 3. Contrast 4. Logic 5. Root Words and Affixes 6. Grammar

Definition DescriptionReader use the definition in the sentence to understand the unknown word. Sample Sentences Some spiders spin silk with tinny organs called spinnerets.

Example-Illustration DescriptionReaders use an example or illustration to understand the unknown word. Sample Sentences Toads, frogs, and some birds are predators that hunt and eat spiders. Other predator animals that hunt for food include lions and hyenas.

Contrast DescriptionReaders understand the unknown word because it is compared or contrasted with another word in the sentence. Sample Sentences Most spiders live for about one year, but tarantulas sometimes live for 20 years.

Logic DescriptionReaders think about the rest of the sentence to understand the unknown word. Sample Sentences An exoskeleton acts like a suit of armor to protect the spiders.

Root Words and Affixes DescriptionReaders use their knowledge of root words and affixes to figure out the unknown word. Sample Sentences People who are terrified of spiders have arachnophobia. Arachno= refers to spiders Phobia= fear

Grammar DescriptionReaders use the word’s function in the sentence or its part of speech to figure out the unknown word. Sample Sentences Most spiders molt five to ten times. Molt

References  Tompkins, G. E.(2006). Literacy for the 21 st century: A balanced Approach 4 th edition. Columbus, Ohio: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.