Context Clues

Context Clues

We will discuss how context clues can be used to help good readers understand words they do not know.

Context Clues

When you read, you often encounter a word that you don’t know. What do you usually do? Most times, you probably read on to see if you can figure out the meaning of the word. When you do this, you use context clues, or the words around the unknown word, to figure out word meaning.

Finding word meaning in context is when you figure out the meaning of an unknown word from other words.

Open Ended

What do you already know about context clues?

The Types Context Clues

• There are 5 types:

• Inference

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym

• Synonym

• This is known as IDEAS which is an acronym.

Inference

• Make an educated guess by looking at the unknown word in context.

• Example: Since it was raining outside, I used my bumbershoot to keep from getting wet.

• Bumbershoot means umbrella

Definition

• The context may include a definition of the word. 

• Clue words: also known as, also called, in other words, which are, (semicolons)

• Example: In Britain, they call the trunk of a car the "boot."

Example

• Examples are given that relate to the unfamiliar word.

• Clue words: especially, for instance, like, such as, these, this, that is

• Example: Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable laws.

Antonym

• The unknown word may be contrasted with a word that has an opposite meaning.

• Clue words: Although, but, despite, however, on the other hand, unlike, not

• Mike's parrot is loquacious, but Maria's says very little.

• Loquacious means talkative

Synonym

• The unknown word is compared to a word that is similar to it.

• Clue words: Also, and, as, in addition, like, related to, similar, or

• Carnivores, or meat-eaters, are at the top of the food chain.

Multiple Choice

What is the acronym for context clues?

• DEASI

• SEADI

• IDEAS

• IDEK

Multiple Select

What is an inference? (check all that apply)

• An educated guess

• A logical guess

• A haphazard guess

• An evidence-based guess

Multiple Choice

What are clue words to look for when the context clue definition is used?

• also known as, in other words, which are

• similar, like, or

• although, however, unlike

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition for synonyms?

• A word that means the opposite of a unknown word

• A word that is defined in the sentence

• An example is given of the word

• A word that means the same as the unknown word

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition for antonyms?

• A word that means the opposite of a unknown word

• A word that is defined in the sentence

• An example is given of the word

• A word that means the same as the unknown word

Multiple Choice

Which one of these statements uses the context clue example correctly?

• A country imports, or brings in, products from other countries.

• The animals each vegetation, such as grass, leafy plants, and shrubs.

• Unlike animals that hunt during the day, nocturnal animals hunt during the night.

• The heat from the intense sun rays was scorching.