CONTEXT CLUES

Using Context Clues

a reading strategy that helps you define unknown words to make strong readers

FIVE TYPES OF

CONTEXT CLUES

1. Inference

2. Definition

3. Example

4. Antonym

5. Synonym

Inference

• use surrounding words in sentences + prior knowledge

• = word meaning

Definition

• the word's meaning is given in the sentence using signal words

• signal words: is, are, means, is called, or

Example

• The use of examples gives the word's meaning

• Sometimes in a list

• Signal words: such as, for instance, like, including

Antonym

• The word's meaning is given by also using its opposite in the sentence

• Signal words: but, however, unlike, although

Synonym

• The word's meaning is given by also using a word that is similar to the sentence

• Signal words: also, as, like, same, similarly, too