E X PA N D I N G VO C A B U L A RY

CONTEXT CLUES

EXAMPLES

One way to figure out the meaning of an unknown word is by looking at examples in a sentence which explain what the word means.

Her father was a strict disciplinarian, punishing his children every time they broke a rule.

SIGNAL WORDS FOR EXAMPLE

• For example

• For instance

• Such as

• To illustrate

ANTONYMS

• Words that have opposite meanings

• Unlike the bitter disputes in the Senate, the members of the House of Representatives appear to be quite amicable.

SIGNAL WORDS FOR ANTONYMS

• On the other hand• Although• In contrast• Unlike• However• Whether• But• Yet• Instead• Even though

SYNONYMS

• Words that have similar meanings

Her affinity (feeling of attraction) to Mexican folk art could be seen throughout her living room, where there were several retablos, and in her kitchen, where hand-painted time in warm colors and patterns predominated.

SIGNAL WORDS FOR SYNONYMS

• Like• As• Also• As well• Or • In other words• Similar to• That is• In the same way

YOUR LOGIC

• Using inference can be a means of finding the meaning of unknown words.

While he waited for the helicopter, he did what he could for Salander. He took a clean sheet from the cupboard and cut it up to make bandages. The blood had coagulated at the entry wound in her head, and he did not know whether he dared to put a bandage on it or not.

DENOTATION VS. CONNOTATION

• Denotation is the dictionary meaning of a word

• Connotation is the emotion or association with a word