Ideas Context Clues

Context Clues

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Context Clues

Sometimes when reading, you might run across an unfamiliar word. When this occurs, you can use context clues to help decipher the meaning of the word. Context clues are hints in a text that can help define a word.

Context Clue #1 -- EXAMPLE: Sometimes an author will give an example of a word after it is used. A specific example can often clarify the meaning of a word.

Context Clue #1 -- EXAMPLE:

Example: The Rocky Mountain National Park is home to different types of terrain. Some places have wide, open meadows. Other areas are inhabited by evergreen trees and mountain lakes. There are also basin areas that are filled with glaciers.

What does the word terrain mean?

• wide, open meadows

• evergreen trees and mountain lakes

• basins with glaciers

These examples help indicate that the word terrain refers to the natural features of an area.

Context Clue #2 -- Definition

The unfamiliar word is defined in the same sentence or in a sentence that is close by in the text. This is generally the most helpful type of context clue.

Example: After they were caught in the middle of a howling thunderstorm, the children hurriedly sought refuge, a place where they could be safe from the rain.

What does the word refuge mean?

Definition:

• A place where they could be safe.

Context Clues #3 and #4 -- Analogy (Antonyms/Synonyms):

Analogies can help show the relationship between words. An antonym is a word that has an opposite meaning while a synonym is a word that has the same or a similar meaning to another word. Understanding antonyms and synonyms of different words can help clarify their meanings.

Context Clues #3 and #4 -- Analogy (Antonyms/Synonyms):

Example: The statue remained stationary even as the hurricane raged throughout the city. It was one of the few things that was unmoved by the strong winds and rains.

What does the word stationary means?

SYNONYM:

unmoved

The word stationary means "not moving" or "standing still."

Multiple Choice

Read the passage "Ebola."

Question: Which phrase from the passage helps readers understand the meaning of symptoms?

• its development and possible treatment methods

• cleaning places thoroughly.

• a fever, headache, and sore throat

• through food or water

Multiple Choice

Read the passage "Ebola."

Question:

What is the meaning of the word contagious?

• visible from all directions

• kept inside a person's body

• shared with as many people as possible

• spread from one person to another in a way

Multiple Choice

Read the passage "Ebola."

Question:

What word is a synonym for potential in paragraph 3?

• possible

• rare

• unlikely

• guaranteed

Multiple Choice

There was a lull in the conversation where no one was talking for several seconds.

What was the meaning of the underlined word?

• To blurt out

• Quiet moment

• Noisy

Multiple Choice

It was Billy’s birthday. The children held hands and formed a ring around Billy as they sang, “Happy Birthday.”

What is the meaning of the underlined word?

• To make a sound

• A piece of jewelry that you wear on your finger

• A circle

Multiple Choice

Sam was on third base. It was Cindy’s turn at bat. Mr. Wilson, their coach, told Cindy to drive the ball deep into the outfield so that Sam could run to home plate.

What was the meaning of the underlined word?

• To steer a car or other vehicle

• To hit very hard and fast

• A wide street

Multiple Choice

Wendy’s parents were going to a party. Her dad came out dressed in a purple and pink polka dotted suit and top hat. “What a foolish outfit!” her mother said. “You can’t go to the party dressed like that!”

What was the meaning of the underlined word?

• silly

• beautiful

• wonderful

Multiple Choice

Missy seals the box with tape before loading it onto the moving van.

What was the meaning of the underlined word?

• To close tightly and completely

• A stamp or sticker

• An animal that lives in the ocean and has flippers instead of feet

Multiple Choice

Tad and Chad were so tired from having run the marathon, they could hardly keep their eyes open during dinner.

What was the meaning of the underlined word?

• easily

• barely

• not at all

Multiple Choice

As Emily walked through the cave, she noticed there were fossils embedded in the walls.

What was the meaning of the underlined word?

• growing

• removed

• stuck

Multiple Choice

Luke and Zach wanted a dog, but their parents always told them that they were not old enough to have one. Then one day the delighted boys jumped up and down as their father got out of the car carrying a puppy.

What was the meaning of the underlined word?

• very happy

• sleepy

• hungry