Context Clues Made by: Mack Gipson, Jr. & Gayla S. Keesee Building Word Awareness Context Clues Definition Synonyms Restatement
Contrast Explanation Examples Inference What is Context? Most Americans can speak only one ________. Europeans, however,
________ several. As a result, Europeans think ________ are unfriendly and unwilling to communicate with them. Try to figure out the missing words. What is Context? Most Americans can speak only one language. Europeans, however, speak several. As a result, Europeans think Americans are unfriendly and unwilling to communicate with them. How did you do? How did you
figure out the missing words? What is Context? Use the words surrounding the unknown word to help determine the unknown words meaning. Phobias, such as fear of heights, water, or confined spaces, are difficult to eliminate. Context Clues: Definition The unknown word is defined immediately following its use.
Brief definition, synonym, or restatement using punctuation-commas, parentheses or dashes. Beverb shows the two ideas are the same. X = Y A chemical bond is a strong force that holds two or more atoms
together. A dialect is a form of speech from a specific region. Synonyms A writer often chooses a more familiar word or words with the same meaning to make the difficult word understandable. Ballet students appear so lithe; they are so limber and flexible. The cataract was spectacular; the
steep waterfall dropped abruptly eighty feet. Restatement Close to a synonym, restatement differs in that a difficult word is usually restated in a simpler form usually set of by commas. The poetry was sublime, lofty and moving, and it brought tears to my eyes. The village was depopulated, most of the residents dead or moved, but the livestock remained untouched.
Contrast An antonym, a word of opposite meaning (notice the restatement) precedes or follows the unknown word. Contrast clue words: however, but, in contrast to, on the other hand
The gentleman was portly, but his wife was thin. The mayoral candidate praised the town council, but the mayor deprecated it. Explanation Similar to a definition clue. Generally longer than a definition. Usually found in a different
sentence. Explanation The chrome is beginning to corrode. It shows signs of pitting and of being eaten away gradually. It was a martial parade: signs of the military were everywhere. Everyone was in uniform; guns, cannons and tanks were on display, and jets flew overhead. Explanation NOTE: Sometimes the explanation is
presented first. The new puppy was a complete bother and an annoyance to all the neighbors. He was a continual nuisance. Example Examples that the reader may know help explain an unfamiliar concept. Punctuation clues: commas or hyphens
Example clue words: such as, for example, for instance, to illustrate, specifically Legumes, such as peas and beans, produce pods. Forest floors are frequently covered with fungimolds, mushrooms, and
mildews. Inference Use reasoning and prior knowledge. Your experiences provide commonsense clues to the meaning of a word. This context clue is often a little harder to spot.
Since Reginald was nervous, he brought his rabbit foot talisman with him to the exam. His alibi was upheld when Johns friends offered personal testimony, letters of documentation, and three videotapes showing that he was present at the party. Limitations of
Context Clues 1. Context clues only give the immediate definition for that particular context. 2. Context clues seldom lead to a precise, complete definition. 3. Sometimes the passage will not contain clues to the meaning of the unfamiliar word. Applying What You Have Learned Can you define the unfamiliar word? Name the context
clue that helped you? What was the signal word that helped? He seemed very free and easy with a few friends, but at large parties he was quite inhibited. Applying What You
Have Learned The definition of the unfamiliar word, inhibited, is controlled, restrained. The context clue is contrast. The signal word is but. Applying What You Have Learned Can you define the unfamiliar word? Can you
name the specific context clue that helped you? Embassies typically follow wellestablished protocols, or accepted procedures, for seating guests at a government dinner.
Applying What You Have Learned The definition of the unfamiliar word, protocol, is a set of rules or procedures. The context clue is restatement. Applying What You Have Learned Can you define the unfamiliar words?
Corona refers to the outermost part of the suns atmosphere. Can you name the specific context clues that helped you? Facets-small flat surfaces at different angles- bring out
the beauty of a diamond. Applying What You Have Learned Coronas context clue is definition. Facets context clue is restatement. Notice the punctuation helps. Applying What You Have Learned Can you define the Most condiments,
unfamiliar word? such as pepper, Name the context clue that helped you? What was the signal word that helped? mustard and catsup, are used to improve the flavor of foods.
Applying What You Have Learned A condiment is a flavor enhancer used to spice up foods. The context clue is example. The signal phrase is such as. Applying What You Have Learned Can you define the unfamiliar word? Can you name the specific
context clue that helped you? Some city dwellers are affluent; others live in poverty. Applying What You Have Learned The definition of affluent is rich, wealthy. The context clue is contrast.
Applying What You Have Learned Can you define the unfamiliar word? Can you name the specific context clue that helped you? The wallabies at the zoo looked
like kangaroos. Applying What You Have Learned A wallaby is a small kangaroo. The context clue is example or inference.
