Context Clues Types

Front

Definition/Description

Back

The unfamiliar word is defined or described within the text.

Ex: "A glacier, is a large mass of ice that moves slowly over land."

Front

Appositive

Back

A word or phrase that renames or gives more information about the noun next to it.

ex: "The photosynthesis process, a method by which plants make food, was explained in the science lab."

Front

Example/List

Back

Examples of the unfamiliar word are given based on what the word or phrase might be like.

ex: "Fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas are healthy snacks."

Front

Comparison

Back

The unfamiliar word is similar to another word or idea.

ex: "The panther moved through the jungle like a shadow."

Front

Contrast/Antonym

Back

The unfamiliar word is used as the opposite of another word or idea.

ex: "The desert is dry, unlike the humid rainforest."

Front

Cause and Effect

Back

If this happens... then that will happen.

ex: "When the clouds gather, it usually rains."

Front

Visualization

Back

Details, descriptions, or actions are used in the text to paint a mental picture

ex. "The garden was full of vibrant flowers and buzzing bees.".