Context Clues

Mack Gipson, Jr.

Tutorial and Enrichment Center

Gayla S. Keesee

Education Specialist

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 Canadians 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 word’s meaning.

“Phobias, such as fear of heights, water, or confined spaces are difficult to eliminate.”

Context Clues: Definition

Unknown word is defined immediately following its use brief definition, synonym,

or restatement using punctuation-commas, parentheses or dashes.

“Be” verb 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 choose 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 brought tears to my eyes.

The village was depopulated, most of the residents dead or moved, but the livestock remained untouched.

Contrast

Antonym, a word of opposite meaning (notice the restatement)

Contrast clue words: but, however, 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 one or more

different sentences

Context Clues: 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, cannon and tanks were on display, and jets flew overhead.

Context Clues: Explanation

NOTE: Sometimes the explanation is presented first.

The puppy was a complete bother and an annoyance to all the neighbors. It was a continual nuisance.

Example

Examples that the reader may know to help explain a new and unfamiliar concept or term

Note the punctuation clues: commas or hyphens

Signal words—such as, for example, for instance, to illustrate, specifically

Legumes, such as peas and beans, produce pods.

Forest floors are frequently covered with fungi—molds, mushrooms, and mildews.

Inference

Use reasoning and prior knowledge

Your experiences provide common-sense 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 John’s 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 quite free and easy with a few friends, but at large parties he was quite inhibited.

The definition of the unfamiliar word is “controlled, restrained.”

The context clue was contrast.

The signal word was “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 well-established protocols, or accepted procedures, for seating guests at a government dinner.

Applying What You Have Learned

The definition of protocol is a set of rules or procedures.

The context clue is “definition,” with some help from the commas – restatement

Applying What You Have Learned

Can you define the unfamiliar word?

Can you name the specific context clue that helped you?

Corona refers to the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere.

Facets-small flat surfaces at different angles- bring out the beauty of a diamond.

Applying What You Have Learned

First: context clue is a straight definition.

Second: context clue is definition—restatement. Notice the punctuation helps.

Applying What You Have Learned

Applying What You Have Learned

Most condiments, such as pepper, mustard and catsup, are used to improve the flavor of foods.

Can you define the unfamiliar word?

Can you name the specific context clue that helped you?

A condiment is a flavor enhancer used to spice up foods.

The context clue was an example clue. Notice the signal phrase—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

Applying What You Have Learned

The definition of affluent is “rich, wealthy.”

The context clue is contrast.

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 could be example or inference.

Applying What You Have Learned