1. Context Clues Help you figure out a meaning of an unfamiliar word!

2. "LOOK BOTH WAYS" Always remember that context clues come both before and after the unknown vocabulary word. Too many students only read up to the word and fail to look at what comes next! Always remember that context clues come both before and after the unknown vocabulary word. Too many students only read up to the word and fail to look at what comes next!

3. The Link" An unfamiliar word is often linked to a familiar word, usually through the use of an appositive. An unfamiliar word is often linked to a familiar word, usually through the use of an appositive. Example: Example: The congressman worried about his constituents, his voters, back home.

4. The Grocery List" Sometimes you can determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word by looking at the examples that accompany it. Sometimes you can determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word by looking at the examples that accompany it. She was a collector of baseball memorabilia, frequently purchasing rare trading cards, autographed balls and signed uniforms. She was a collector of baseball memorabilia, frequently purchasing rare trading cards, autographed balls and signed uniforms.

5. The Same Words are frequently used with synonyms that help to define them. Words are frequently used with synonyms that help to define them. Look for signal words such as: Look for signal words such as: Also Also And And Besides Besides Furthermore Furthermore In addition In addition Example: Example: The stranger appeared gaunt and very thin for such a young man. The stranger appeared gaunt and very thin for such a young man.

6. The Opposite Conversely, an unfamiliar word can be linked with an opposite definition. Watch carefully for signal words such as: Although Although But But Conversely Conversely On the contrary On the contrary Rather than Rather thanExamples: His voice was pleasant and clear, not guttural at all. His voice was pleasant and clear, not guttural at all. Rather than promote ultraism, she advocated conservative viewpoints. Rather than promote ultraism, she advocated conservative viewpoints.