1. Vocabulary Context Clues
Vocabulary understanding
is the best predictor of reading comprehension.

2. Vocabulary Context Clues
1. Context = what comes before and after the word.
2. Context Clues= hints given about word meaning.

3. Types of Context Clues
1. Restatement Clue =
uses different words to state same concept
Ex: Conifers are common in the North Woods. However, not all the trees of this area are evergreens.

4. Apposition= a restatement that is directly after the word it explains.
(Restatement cont.)
Apposition= a restatement that is directly after the word it explains.
Ex: Conifers, or evergreens, are common in the North Woods.
An apposition can be a whole phrase.
Ex: Conifers, trees that do not lose their leaves in the fall, are common in the North Woods.

5. A synonym does not have to appear immediately after a word.
(Restatement cont.)
A restatement =can be a single word that has the same meaning or Synonym.
A synonym does not have to appear immediately after a word.
Ex: Shaw’s character Professor Higgins is sometimes described as a misogynist, but other critics claim that Higgins isn’t really a woman-hater.

6. Types of Context Clues (cont.)
2. Comparison Clue = two phrases or sentences that contain parallel or similar
ideas.
If you know the meaning of one phrase, you can guess the meaning of
the other.
Ex: The first piece the orchestra played was ridiculously sad and mournful. The second piece was likewise lugubrious.

7. Types of Context Clues (cont.)
3. Contrast Clue = opposite ideas are given
Ex: Sarah’s ideas were not very pragmatic; rather, they were idealistic.
pragmatic = practical, relating to everyday things
idealistic = having high ideals, having big dreams
Words with opposite meanings are called antonyms.
Ex: cold/hot light/dark heavy/light

8. Types of Context Clues (cont.)
4. Example Clue = if you understand the examples given, you may be able to figure out the word meaning.
Ex: Conifers, such as firs, spruces, pines and cedars, are common in the North Woods

9. Types of Context Clues (cont.)
5. Inference or General Sense Clue = figure out the meaning by reasoning from the information provided by the context. An inference is an educated (use the information given) guess.
Ex: The first great English lexicographer was Samuel Johnson. In his work, the first great dictionary of the English language, Johnson defined lexicographer as “a harmless drudge”.
What is a lexicographer?
What were the clues?
Lexicographer = dictionary writer
Lexicon = dictionary

10. Types of Context Clues Reviewed
Restatement Clue
Comparison Clue
Contrast Clue
Example Clue
Inference or General Sense Clue

11. QUIZ
Read the sentence and predict the meaning of the underlined word:
1. It was so gliff outside, I had to wear two sweaters and a jacket!
“Gliff” most likely means:
Warm
cold
bright
dark

12. QUIZ
In the following sentence, what does the italicized word mean?, and
What type of context clue did you use?
The sociology professor commented that the ideas in my paper were too ambiguous, that is, vague or too general.

13. QUIZ
In the following sentence, what does the italicized word mean?, and
What type of context clue did you use?
3. Many species went extinct for unknown reasons. For example, dinosaurs are no longer found on earth.

14. QUIZ
In the following sentence, what does the italicized word mean?, and
What type of context clue did you use?
4. In the earthquake, many victims were killed or injured and many children became orphaned.

15. QUIZ
In the following sentence, what does the italicized word mean?, and
What type of context clue did you use?
5. In contrast to Mary’s joyfulness, John’s
despondency really worries his parents.

16. The End!