1. Ms. Williams 5th/6th Grade ELA
Context Clues
Ms. Williams
5th/6th Grade ELA

2. What are context clues?
When you use clues in a text to figure out the meaning of a new, unfamiliar word, you are using context clues.
Context clues are hints and pieces of information that surround an unfamiliar word.
Words that help you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

3. Types of context clues
Definition: The author explains the meaning of the word right in the sentence.
Synonym: The author uses a word with a similar meaning.
Antonym: The author uses a word with an opposite meaning.

4. More Types of Context Clues
Contrast: The author tells how something is different from the unknown word.
General: The author uses several words that give clues to the word’s meaning.

5. How to use context clues
Read the sentence and underline the unknown word.
Think about what is happening in the sentence.
Find other words that may explain the meaning of the unknown word (sentence before, of, or after)
Try different words in place of the unknown word to see if the sentence makes sense.

6. Context Clue Example
Mr. Fry is an affable principal. He is pleasantly easy to approach and always friendly.
Mr. Fry is quite affable. In fact, he reminds me of Ms. Baker. Do you remember how kind she was?
I miss Mr. Fry. Our new principal is cranky and unapproachable. Mr. Fry was so affable.