Context Clues

Context Clues

clues from the sentence or text that help the reader understand the words

5 main types of context clues

• definition clues-word is defined directly

• synonym clues-word with similar meaning

• antonym clues-word with opposite meaning

• example clues-examples of word is included

• inference clues-use clues and text evidence

Context Clue Type: Definition

John had written many short stories before, but he was simply stuck this time. He had a clear overall plot in his head. He even had a vivid setting picked out, but he was having a really hard time settling on a protagonist, the hero and central character who the events in the story revolve around.

Open Ended

It might come as a surprise, but grazing animals are a key factor in erosion, the process by which earth is worn away by winds, water, or other means. This is especially true in coastal regions. Grazing animals eat the grasses. The grasses' roots help bind the dunes together. With these grasses and roots gone, the soil is easily blown off or washed away.

What definition does the text use to help define erosion?

Context Clue Type: Synonym

Melissa's dad told her to put on her headphones if she was having such trouble concentrating, but Melissa was completely exasperated, or extremely annoyed, with her little brother that nothing would help.

Open Ended

The famous quote, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes," comes from the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was an important early battle during the American Revolution. The British were attacking the hill, which the Americans held, but the Americans' ammunition was scarce. Since it was so limited, an American commander gave them that instruction. He did want them to waste their resources by firing at targets that were difficult to hit.

What synonym helps to figure out the meaning of scarce?

Context Clue Type: Antonym

We were absolutely starving by the time we returned to camp. Roxy was in charge of packing the food for this particular trip. It was her first time. The rest of us were worried that the food supply would be meager, but we were pleasantly surprised with how plentiful it was.

Open Ended

History teaches us how quickly relationships between countries can totally change. The United States and the Soviet Union were allies during most of two world wars, but by the end of World War II, they were enemies. The Cold War that erupted between these two countries lasted decades.

What antonym helps us to understand the meaning of allies?

Context Clue Type: Example

Mayor Lee is up for reelection. She enjoys strong support from citizens and business leaders, but Mayor Lee would be the first to admit that the timing of her first term was very lucky. She took over at a time of very low unemployment. So far during her term, there have been no natural calamities in the area, unlike the tornadoes and earthquakes that have struck elsewhere in the country.

Open Ended

Flying is becoming more expensive, and planes are getting less roomy. Nevertheless, most airlines still offer a few perks to make trips more comfortable. Most will still give you free snacks. Most have free movies, and you can usually borrow headphones if you need them. Most airlines still offer you a free beverage such as juice, coffee, or soda.

What are the examples given to help define beverage?

Context Clue Type: Inference

A number of residents have written letters to the city council in regards to the construction and repaving going on downtown. The central concern of the letters has been for the safety of pedestrians. The construction has led to a number of sidewalks being closed. Some of the freshly paved roads have even covered over sidewalks. They have yet to be repainted.

Open Ended

When Rhea started out on her day full of errands, her backpack was nearly empty. She'd almost forgotten that it was on her back, but

after a trip to five shops and the grocery store, it had become quite

cumbersome. She'd had to stop and rest several times on the way home. She'd also needed to rearrange the bag's contents several times to keep them from poking her in the back.

What does cumbersome mean as used in the text? You must infer the meaning.