Using Context Clues The Four Types of Context Clues  Rewording the word.  The Cruise family moved from their dilapidated house, that was old and run-down, into a brand new home.  Giving its Synonym.  The young girl was very aloof. She always seemed unsociable, unapproachable, and uninterested.  Giving its Antonym.  Dianna appeared to be a very moral and upstanding young lady, but those who knew her knew that she was iniquitous.  Giving us Details about the word.  Father was ecstatic because Joshua decided to go to the college that he wanted him to.

Using Context Clues Practice 1. Mallory’s mom thought that the new outfit that she had bought for her was modish. Mallory did not want to break it to her, but it was totally out of style. 2. Insomnia, not being able to sleep at night, can be linked to an excessive intake of caffeine throughout the day. 3. The day had proven to be very torrid. Before the sun had even risen, it was already hot outside. 4. It is our custom that the bride and groom only wear the finest raiment on their wedding day. 5. Though many types of birds fly in groups, Eagles are birds of solitude.

Making Inferences  Conclusion  Sometimes you will be asked to find an answer to a question that is not stated or explained in a story. This is called making inferences and drawing conclusions.  Things to consider when making an inference:  What happened?  What does it mean?  Why do you think that?  Once you have done this, come to a conclusion.

Theme  Theme is the central idea or message in a literary work. It is a perception about human life.  It is not the subject of the work (students often get the two definitions of theme confused).  Themes are rarely stated directly. They usually must be inferred. The theme is revealed by the way characters change in a story, conflicts in the story, and statements made by the narrator or characters. CLICK HERE!

Journal Entry #4 REVENGE  Think about the times in your life when people have hurt or taken advantage of you. Have you ever taken revenge on someone for something they did to you?  If so, how did it end? Were you satisfied after or did it do little to help you get over what they had done to you? Were there any consequences?  If not, why haven’t you done so? Be specific and explain yourself.