Context Clues

Context Clues

Context Clues are pieces of information within the text that help you figure out the meanings of unknown words.

Definition or Restatement

The author tells what the word means

Definition or Restatement

• Ex. Anacondas usually ambush, or sneak up, on their prey from the water

• Sneak up is the context clue

• The ball gown was resplendent. It was by far the most beautiful dress in the store and Jenna had to have it.

• Most beautiful is the context clue

Synonym or Antonyms

The author adds a synonym or contrasts the word with an antonym.

Synonym or Antonyms

• Ethan knew he had to enter all of the data, but he found the work tedious and boring.

• Boring is the context clue, it's a synonym

• It's easy to confuse a sand cat with a domesticated house cat. However, unlike house cats, sand cats are wild animals.

• "Wild animals" is the context clue, it's an antonym.

Example

The author gives an example to help explain the word.

Example

• Talia enjoys collaborating. For example, she often chooses to work with her classmates on science projects rather than working alone.

• "she often chooses to work with her classmates on science projects" is the context clue

• I warned Earl not to provoke the wasps, but he just kept poking their nest with that stick.

• "he just kept poking their nest with that stick" is the context clue

Multiple Choice

There was some controversy about the new school dress code. While most parents and teachers were in favor of the new code, many students were not. What does controversy mean?

• Surprise

• Disagreement

• Arrangment

• Sleepiness

Multiple Choice

As the author of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling is a prominent writer in the field of children's literature. What does prominent mean?

• Knowledgeable

• Lucky

• Well-known

• Old

Multiple Choice

Mara was feeling apprehensive about the camping trip. She had never slept in a tent before. What if there were bears of mountain lions? What does apprehensive mean?

• Worried

• Angry

• Excited

Multiple Choice

David knew that the advanced studies program was rigorous. It would require a great deal of reading and homework. Still, he felt he was up to the challenge. What does rigorous mean?

• Boring

• Difficult

• Surprising

Multiple Choice

The shallow river was usually easy for hikers to wade across. However, the recent heavy rains had turned it into a rushing torrent, too treacherous to cross. What does treacherous mean?

• Dangerous

• Wet

• Dirty

Multiple Choice

Dan did not enjoy his job as a dishwasher. It was monotonous work, doing the same thing over and over. what does monotonous mean?

• Inspiring

• Disgusting

• Boring

Multiple Choice

As the students generated ideas for solving the problem, Mr. Smith wrote them on the board so they wouldn't be forgotten. What does generated mean?

• Came up with

• Discussed

• Discovered

Multiple Choice

In order to be eligible for the life guard program, participants had to take first aid training and be advanced swimmers. What does eligible mean?

• Qualified

• Rejected

• Observed