Context Clues and Evidence

Test Prep Boot Camp

Context Clues

What is a context clue?

How do we use context clues?

Context Clues

Context Clues are hints the author gives to help you define a difficult or unfamiliar word. The clue may appear in the same sentence as the word, or it may be in the following sentence.

Context Clues

There are four types of context clues: synonym, antonym, explanation, and example.

Synonym

A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence.

Ex: Her newest idea was selling chocolate covered baby shoes. She was convinced that it would be a lucrative, or successful business.

Antonym

A word, or group of words that has the opposite meaning, reveals the meaning of an unknown word.

Ex: Although some men are loquacious, others hardly talk at all.

Explanation

The unknown word is explained within the sentence, or in a sentence immediately preceding.

Ex: The patient is so somnolent, that she requires medicine to help her stay awake for more than a short amount of time.

Example

Specific examples are used to define the unknown term.

Ex: Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable laws.

Using Evidence

When you are asked to use evidence to support an explanation, be sure to do one of the following:

1. QUOTE (use a direct quote, with quotation marks, from the text, with citation- and EXPLAIN in your own words!!!!)

OR

2. PARAPHRASE (simplify and reword something, directly from the text)

Using Evidence

Note: Whichever method you choose (quote or paraphrase), you MUST explain HOW the evidence proves the claim (WARRANT WARRANT WARRANT!)

Using Evidence

When asked to give evidence to support an explanation, be sure to use an appropriate sentence-starter. Here are some good examples:

1. According to the text…2. The author states…3. For instance…4. For example…5. The author explains…6. The passage reveals…7. In the text…8. Something that supports this is...