Context Clues

Context Clues

Reading Strategy

Reading Strategy

• useful in any genre or subject

• increases reading ability and comprehension

DEFINITION CONTEXT CLUE

• Explanation: The writer adds the definition of a word within the sentence.

• Example: People should be intolerant of ignorance—they should not put up with it.

Multiple Choice

What would be the best definition of the bold word?

People should be intolerant of ignorance—they should not put up with it.

• not putting up with something.

• putting up with something

• accepting

• ignore facts and truths

SYNONYM CONTEXT CLUE

• Explanation: The writer adds words that mean the same thing as the unfamiliar word.

• Example: Mrs. Flowers had a kindly, benign manner.

Multiple Choice

What would be the best synonym of the bold word?

Mrs. Flowers had a kindly, benign manner.

• flowers

• manner

• kindly

• had

Multiple Choice

Using the clue provided, which answer would make the best inference for the definition of benign?

• overbearing

• neutral

• aggravated

• friendly

ANTONYM CONTEXT CLUE

• Explanation: The writer adds words that mean the opposite of the unfamiliar word.

• Example: Mrs. Flowers did not have the taut look thin people often have; she seemed relaxed and casual.

Multiple Choice

What would be the best antonym of the bold word?

Mrs. Flowers did not have the taut look thin people often have; she seemed relaxed and casual.

• flowers

• relaxed

• people

• thin

Multiple Choice

Using the clue provided, which answer would make the best inference for the definition of taut?

• angry

• tense

• kindly

• casual

EXAMPLE CONTEXT CLUE

• Explanation: The writer adds examples that hint at the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

• Example: Mrs. Flower’s gracious actions—giving Marguerite attention, baking cookies for her, lending her books—made the girl feel special.

Multiple Choice

Using the clue provided, which answer would make the best inference for the definition of gracious?

• ignorant

• intolerant

• tolerant

• compassionate

Multiple Choice

Using context clues, make the best inference for the definition of the bolded word:

The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to settle the dispute, arrived at her decision.

• goalie of a soccer game

• neutral person chosen to settle a dispute

• a lawyer defending a criminal

• a lawyer prosecuting a criminal

Multiple Choice

Using context clues, make the best inference for the definition of the bolded word:

When the team won the tournament, the players went berserk. They started acting crazy and jumping around with wild excitement.

• to react violently to something

• to be fully in control of ones self

• to act out of control

• to remain calm in the face of chaos

Multiple Choice

Using context clues, make the best inference for the definition of the bolded word:

Most cultures have certain behaviors that are considered taboo, such as swearing in church, asking someone how much money they make, or inquiring about someone’s age.

• types of different cultures

• being annoying

• acts that should be mandated per culture

• norms that are not acceptable

Multiple Choice

Using context clues, make the best inference for the definition of the bolded word:

Unlike Jamaal’s room, which was immaculate, Jeffrey’s room was very messy.

• to be perfect

• to be wildly out of control

• to be messy

• to be smelly

Context Clues Practice

Due Monday