Types of Context Clues

Front

What are context clues?

Back

Words or phrases in a text that help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Front

What is a synonym context clue?

Back

A word that has a similar meaning to the unfamiliar word.

Front

What is an antonym context clue?

Back

A word that has an opposite meaning to the unfamiliar word.

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What is an inference context clue?

Back

Clues that require the reader to put together information from the text to understand the meaning.

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What is a definition context clue?

Back

A direct explanation of the unfamiliar word is provided within the text.

Front

Example of a synonym context clue: 'The weather was balmy, or mild, that day.'

Back

The word 'mild' helps understand 'balmy'.

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Example of an antonym context clue: 'Unlike my boisterous brother, I am quiet.'

Back

The word 'unlike' indicates a contrast, helping to define 'boisterous'.

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Example of an inference context clue: 'She was so tired after the long run.'

Back

The context suggests that 'tired' relates to exhaustion.

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Example of a definition context clue: 'The teacher explained the term 'photosynthesis', which is how plants make food using sunlight.'

Back

The explanation directly defines 'photosynthesis'.

Front

What does 'intricate' mean?

Back

Detailed and complicated; having many small parts.