Context clues review

Context Clues Review

By Ms. Ardastra

Sometimes when we are reading we don't know what a word means.

Just like a detective you have to use clues. Clues are words or phrases around the unknown word. The words help us understand the unknown word.​

We use context clues all the time!

​We use context clues when we make good guesses based on the information we already know.

​Let's try using some context clues.​

​Who am I?

​I am hot.

I live in the sky.

I am bright.

Don't look straight at me.

I disappear in the night.

Multiple Choice

Who am I?

• The moon

• The sun

• The stars

• The sky

​What am I?

​I live in the water.

You can drive me.

I might make you sick.

Don't put a hole in me.

Tie me up when you're done.

Multiple Choice

What am I?

• A car

• A bus

• A boat

• A tire

What am I?

​Please blow air in me.

I come in many colors.

I'm a symbol of celebration.

Don't touch me with anything sharp.

I only last a day or two.

Multiple Choice

What am I?

• A bottle

• Ice cream

• A cake

• A balloon

​Context Clues

Clues that good readers use to find the meaning of unknown words.​

Look for:

1. Examples

2. ​Definitions

3. ​Synonyms

4. Antonyms​

5. Inference

Examples: sometimes the author uses an example of what the word means.

Example: Mr. Fry is an affable principal. He knows everyone by name. If you have a problem, you can talk to him!

​EXAMPLE

​This sentence shows us that an example of an affable person is someone who is nice and you can talk to.

​Look for keywords: such as, like, for example

Multiple Choice

My dog is so timid. He is like a little mouse that hides when he gets scared. What does the word timid mean?

• Energetic

• Fearful

• Happy

Multiple Choice

The decor, including the fancy lights, beautiful paintings and unique furniture made the house look stunning. What does the word decor mean?

• Decorations

• Paintings

• Furniture

Definition: Sometimes the definition of the word is in the sentence!

Example: Mr. Fry is an affable principal. He is pleasantly easy to approach and always friendly!

​Definition!

​This sentence shows us that Affable means easy to approach and friendly.

Multiple Choice

Stealing is an infraction, or the act of breaking the law. What does the word infraction mean?

• Detention

• A ticket

• The act of breaking the law

Multiple Choice

A volunteer firefighter works for no pay. What does the word volunteer mean?

• A firefighter

• Someone who works for no pay

• Someone who is paid to work

Synonyms: Sometimes there is a synonym for the unknown word

Example: Mr. Fry is an affable principal. In fact, he reminds me of Mrs. Baker. Do you remember how kind she was too?

​

Kind is a synonym for affable!​

​Synonym!

Multiple Choice

A beaver uses its big front teeth to gnaw trees. These incisors continue to grow as they are worn away. What does the word incisors mean?

• Teeth

• Claws

• A type of beaver

Multiple Choice

It was an idyllic day - sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park! What does the word idyllic mean?

• Cold

• Miserable

• Wonderful

Multiple Choice

She hums continuously, or all the time, and it annoys me. What does the word continuously mean?

• Hums

• All the time

• Never

Antonyms: Sometimes there is an antonym for the unknown word

Example: I miss Mr. Fry. Our new principal is cranky and unapproachable. Mr. Fry was so affable.

​Antonyms!

​Affable means the opposite of cranky and unapproachable!

Multiple Choice

Stacey was suspicious when the clown handed them a box. But her gullible little brother opened it anyway. What does the word gullible mean?

• Sad

• Trusting

• Doomed

• Careful

Multiple Choice

Instead of a grimace, Claudia had a big smile across her face. What does the word grimace mean?

• Grin

• Hat

• Mask

• Frown

Inference: Sometimes we have to make an inference, or educated guess

Example: You don't need to worry about talking to Mr. Fry. He is an affable principal.

​

If I don't need to worry about talking to Mr. Fry, I can infer that Mr. Fry is friendly.​

Multiple Choice

Bob is quite versatile. He is a good athlete, a top student, and a gourmet chef. What does the word versatile mean?

• Having many different skills

• Boring

• Happy

Open Ended

Danny was in a somber mood after he heard the bad news. What does somber mean?