1. C.A.R.D. Strategy Solving Unknown Words

2. CONTEXT CLUES  Definitions/Descriptions  The Native Americans used adobe, or bricks made of clay, to build their homes.  Synonyms  The Zuni built their homes with brick made of sun dried clay. The Hopi also used adobe to build their homes.  Antonyms  The lived in single-family houses, but the Iroquois lived in longhouses.  Examples  The Pueblo people grew many crops such as corn, beans, and squash.  Make inferences from any other clues in the text!

3. ANALYZE (BREAK DOWN)  If possible, break the word into parts  Prefix: the word part at the beginning  Root: the base of the word  Suffix: the word part at the end  Figure out the meaning of each separate part and then put them back together.  Not all words have a prefix or a suffix; some words are only a root.  Break down compound words.

4. REASONABLE GUESS  Based on everything so far, make an educated guess of what the word could mean.  Try out your guess by inserting it into the original sentence.

5. DICTIONARY  Look up the word in the dictionary.  Use the pronunciation guide to say the word correctly.  Read the definition.