Vocabulary Development

Vocabulary Development

Context Clues

Context Clues

Using clues to know the meaning of new words

What are Context Clues

• source of information about a word that helps readers understand the word

• This word or phrase offers insight, either directly or indirectly, into the word's meaning.

Types of Context Clues

• Antonym

• Synonyms

• Definitions

• Explanations

• Restatement

• Examples

• Description

Antonyms as a Context Clue

1. Emma had lot of anxiety about the exam, but I had no worries about it.

2. Marty is gregarious, not like his brother who is quiet and shy.

Multiple Choice

At the beginning of the meeting,the committe reached consensous on the need for security in schools, but there were disagreements on the use of cellphones by students in school.

• security

• disagreements

Synonyms as a Context Clue

It was an idyllic day; sunny, warm and prefect for a walk in the park.

She hums continuously, or all the time, and it it annoys me.

Multiple Choice

We faced several impediments I this project; however, we were determined not to allow these obstacles to deter us.

• obstacles

• determined

• deter

Definition as a context clue

1. Some celestial bodies which are the planet and stars, can be seen with the naked eye.

Explanation as a context clue

1 The team was elated when they won the trophy.

Example as a context clue

The indigent family lived in adverse conditions. They stayed in a room without running water and electricity, and often had scarce supplies of food.

Description as a context clue

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in blood and most tissues of the body.

Restatement as a context clue

A dialect or local variety of language is spoken in Caribbean countries.

Multiple Choice

Which clue is used ?

1. Although she is usually detached in her manner towards strangers, on this occasion she was rather engaging and so won the hearts of the group.

• example

• definition

• antonym

• synonym

Multiple Choice

2. His comments on the issue were so ambiguous or unclear that we could not support or reject the proposal

• restatement

• antonym

• example

Multiple Choice

A spendthrift is one who spends money unwisely without any thought of future needs.

• synonyms

• antonyms

• definition

Multiple Choice

The manager never questioned or doubted the secretary's fidelity to the company. She always demonstrated loyalty.

• synonym

• restatement

• example

• description

Multiple Choice

People know him as a philanthropist; he is known for helping persons who experience adversity, especially by giving them financial support.

• example

• restatement

• synonym

• antonym