Reading Strategies/Context Clues 1. Definition and Restatement: Directly define the word or restate Ex The snowstorm was a real anomaly: nothing like that had ever happened before. (which is, or, in other words)

2 Example: One or more examples that are clues to the word's meaning. ex: The percussion instruments in the orchestra include various kinds of drums and also cymbals, bells, the gong and the tambourine. (like, including, such as)

3 Comparison: Word in question is compared with more familiar word ex: Joey’s compassion for the earthquake victims, like his feelings of sorrow for the homeless, shows that he cares about others. (likewise, similar to, also)

4. Contrast: Using the opposite of the word to unlock a word's meaning. ex: I thought she would be clumsy with the tools her first day on the job, but she handles them with great dexterity.(although, on the contrary, however) 5. Cause and Effect: The cause or action or event may be stated in an unfamiliar word, but the effect is stated in familiar words.

ex The old building had become dilapidated, we had to spend a lot of time and money on repairs.(therefore, consequently, since, as a result)

The last strategy, and possibly the most utilized on EOG test: 6. Inference from General Context: Look at the sentences surrounding the word and INFER, or draw a conclusion about, a word's meaning. ex Roy use to be a pugnacious character, but over the years he seemed to have mellowed He has more self-confidence now and doesn't need to prove himself all the time But when I first knew him he seemed to have a chip on his shoulder-he was always itching for a fight! Don't forget: Inference: A Logical guess and the use of story clues LOGIC: Reasoning (being reasonable)