Context Clues Day 2: Explanations, Definitions & Word Parts

Context Clues Day 2: Explanations, Definitions & Word Parts

Objective: We will be able to determine the meaning of 1-2 new words using the strategy of context clues.

Multiple Choice

DO NOW: Please use context clues to identify the meaning of the word "scorching" in this sentence.

"It was scorching," Larry said, "and I mean really hot."

• hot

• warm

• cold

• room temperature

Hello, Word Detectives!

• Today, we will be talking about 3 other strategies of context clues.

• Yesterday we talked about: 

  -Synonyms

  -Antonyms

• Today, we will learn the strategies of: 

  -Definitions

  -Explanation

  -Word Parts

  
  

Strategy 1: Definition

• Using the strategy of context clues, you can uncover the meaning of a word based on the definition given within the sentence itself or sentences after it. 

• Definition Examples;

• The dates are listed in chronological order; they start at the beginning and end with the last event.

  Chronological: events going in order, starting with the earliest

• He was emaciated, that is, he had a skeleton-like appearance and it was frightening to see. 

  Emaciated: skelton-like in appearance, being too thin to the point of looking unhealthy

Here is an example of "emaciated". The dog was emaciated because its owner had neglected to feed him.

Strategy 2: Explanation

• Sometimes the author explains the meaning of the word with some sort of example.

• Explanation Examples:

• I called him a nuisance because he annoyed me with many questions.

  Nuisance: a person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance.

• It’s no surprise he winced in pain after hitting his thumb with the hammer.

  Wince: to make a face of pain (a grimace) or a shrinking movement of the body away from an object that has caused harm.

Strategy 3: Word Parts

• Sometimes we can use parts of words to help uncover the meaning.

• Some words have beginnings that change the meaning of the word "not" - "un" and "in"

• Comfortable > Uncomfortable (not + comfortable)

• Capable > Incapable (not + capable)

• This chair is very uncomfortable.

• He is incapable of doing the work.

I Do

"The US women’s soccer team was elated because they won the World Cup.”

So I am going to look at elated, and right after it I see the word "because". Here it is giving me an example to help me to figure out its meaning.

So how would I feel if my team won the World Cup?

Multiple Choice

What do you think the word "unafraid" means?

Jack stepped forward, unafraid, ready to defend his friend.

• not hurt

• not ready to fight

• not confident

• not fearful

Multiple Choice

What do you think the word "insincere" means?

He said he was sorry, but it sounded insincere, so I didn't believe him.

• not funny

• not loud enough

• not honest

You Do

• Using the same document as yesterday, attempt to use these context clue strategies to figure out each word.