2023 Context Clue Lesson

Context Clues

Context Clues are pieces of information within the text that help you figure out the meanings of unknown words.

Definition or Restatement

The author tells what the word means

Definition or Restatement

• Ex. Anacondas usually ambush, or sneak up, on their prey from the water

• Sneak up is the context clue

• The ball gown was resplendent. It was by far the most beautiful dress in the store and Jenna had to have it.

• Most beautiful is the context clue

Synonym or Antonyms

The author adds a synonym or contrasts the word with an antonym.

Synonym or Antonyms

• Ethan knew he had to enter all of the data, but he found the work tedious and boring.

• Boring is the context clue, it's a synonym

• It's easy to confuse a sand cat with a domesticated house cat. However, unlike house cats, sand cats are wild animals.

• "Wild animals" is the context clue, it's an antonym.

Example

The author gives an example to help explain the word.

Example

• Talia enjoys collaborating. For example, she often chooses to work with her classmates on science projects rather than working alone.

• "she often chooses to work with her classmates on science projects" is the context clue

• I warned Earl not to provoke the wasps, but he just kept poking their nest with that stick.

• "he just kept poking their nest with that stick" is the context clue

Multiple Choice

If you practice over and over, you become confident and prepared.

• full of confidence

• ready to go

• not afraid

Multiple Choice

He stood up straight and strode to the front of the classroom.

• marched

• jogged

• walked

Multiple Choice

The runners were greeted with applause as they reached the end of their long marathon.

• a lengthy journey

• a long race

• a strenuous trek

Multiple Choice

When he was done, the class erupted into applause.

• to burst out suddenly

• to cheer loudly

• to clap their hands

Multiple Choice

After Chris flubbed his performance, he resolved he was going to practice every day to make sure he got it right next time!

• concluded

• thought maybe

• decided