Context Clues

Context Clues

Context Clues​

​Context clues are hints in a sentence or passage. These hints can help you figure out the meaning of a word you don't know. You may find the clue in the same sentence as the word you don't know or in a nearby sentence. Looking for context clues is a useful strategy. It helps you understand what you are reading. This strategy allows you to easily learn new vocabulary.

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage:

When I observe my sister, I can’t help but notice how savvy she is. Shrewd and clever, she always makes good decisions. I find her inspirational and when I am around her, I strive to be as knowing as she is.

Which phrase from the passage provides context clues for the meaning of the word "savvy"?

• "When I observe my sister"

• "I find her"

• "Shrewd and clever"

• "as she is."

​Sometimes, a difficult word or phrase is explained in simpler language. Look for a synonym: a word or phrase that has the same meaning as the unknown word.

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage:

The mayor’s speech was bombastic. It was full of big words but had very little meaning. The town’s citizens left the meeting more confused than ever.

Which word or phrase from the passage helps you figure out the meaning of the word "bombastic"?

• “The mayor's”

• “more confused than ever”

• “full of big words but had very little meaning.”

• “citizens”

​Sometimes, we can figure out the meaning of a word by looking for a word with the opposite meaning nearby. Look for an antonym: a word or phrase that has the opposite meaning as the unknown word.

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the word “cordial” as it is used in the sentence below?

She gave a cordial greeting—so different from the cold, unfriendly words she’d said before.

• friendly and warm

• quiet and proud

• angry and annoyed

• happy and joyful

​Sometimes, the meaning of a word or phrase is explained immediately following its use. Look for an explanation for the unknown word in the sentence or in sentences nearby.

Multiple Choice

Read the following passage:

The clown was irate. He angrily smashed the birthday cake and popped the balloons before fleeing the party.

Which word or phrase from the passage helps you figure out the meaning of the word "irate"?

• "fleeing"

• "The clown"

• "angrily smashed"

• "birthday cake"