1. Words in Context What does it MEAN?

2. What do you do? When you come to a word that you do not know while reading, what can you do to figure it out? (brainstorm) What are these strategies called? CONTEXT CLUES! Why are context clues helpful to the reader?

3. Context Clues There are many different kinds of context clues Let’s look at some of the most common…

4. Definition/Description The word is clearly defined or described in the sentence in which it appears It is defined by what it is

5. Examples of Definition/Description The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to settle a conflict, arrived at her decision. What is an arbitrator? John Fitzgerald Kennedy, our 35th president, improved human rights and equal rights for all people. Who is JFK?

6. Antonym (contrast) The word is defined by what it is NOT Often signaled by the words whereas, unlike, or as opposed to.

7. Examples of Antonym Unlike Jamaal’s room, which was immaculate, Jeffrey’s room was very messy. What does immaculate mean? Whereas Melissa is quite lithe, her sister is clumsy and awkward. What does lithe mean?

8. Synonym Other words are used in the sentence with similar meanings. Fat, huge, rotund, enormous, large, plump, portly

9. Examples of Synonym The slender woman was so thin her clothes were too big on her. What is slender? The irate man was so angry, his face was bright red. What is irate?

10. Punctuation as a clue Readers can also use clues of punctuation and type style to infer meaning Italics, quotation marks, dashes, parentheses or brackets.

11. Examples of Punctuation Tom's father was a haberdasher, or men’s shop keeper, in the story. (italics) Tom's father was a haberdasher (men’s shop keeper) in the story. (parentheses) In the story, Tom's father was a haberdasher-or men’s shop keeper. (dash) Tom's father was a “haberdasher”. He had a clothing store for men. (quotations)

12. Can you find the clues? In groups, see if you can identify the meaning of the underlined word. You will get bonus points for telling which type of context clue is being used. (not punctuation) You will lose points for talking out of turn.

13. 100 Policemen show vigilance, or watchfulness, as they stand guard over the city. Watchfulness Synonym

14. 100 The unceasing (happening or done repeatedly) chirping of the bird kept me awake at night. happening or done repeatedly Definition

15. 200 My hands felt sweaty and clammy from nerves. Damp Synonym

16. 200 My sister and I share a resemblance; we look very similar. Similarity Definition

17. 300 Unlike my brother who speaks perfectly, I have a speech impediment. Impairment/obstacle Antonym

18. 400 The United States Handicapper General, who was in charge of assigning the handicaps, gave me the hearing aid. Who was in charge of assigning the handicaps Description