Types of Context Clues

Front

What are context clues?

Back

Context clues are hints or information in a text that help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is a definition context clue?

Back

A definition context clue explains the meaning of a word directly in the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Example of a definition context clue.

Back

"His animosity, or hatred, of his sister divided the family." Here, 'animosity' is defined as 'hatred'.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

What is a synonym context clue?

Back

A synonym context clue provides a word with a similar meaning to help understand the unfamiliar word.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

Example of a synonym context clue.

Back

"She was happy, or joyful, about her birthday surprise." Here, 'joyful' is a synonym for 'happy'.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

What is an antonym context clue?

Back

An antonym context clue provides a word with an opposite meaning to help understand the unfamiliar word.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

Example of an antonym context clue.

Back

"She was virtuous, but her brother was evil." Here, 'evil' is an antonym of 'virtuous'.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Front

What is an explanation context clue?

Back

An explanation context clue provides additional information or details that clarify the meaning of a word.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.4E

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

Front

Example of an explanation context clue.

Back

"The manager wanted a weekly inspection, which is a methodical examination of all the equipment." Here, 'inspection' is explained.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is a list of examples context clue?

Back

A list of examples context clue provides specific instances that illustrate the meaning of a word.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.4E

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C