Using Context Clues for Meaning

Context Clues

Ms. Naraine

What is a context clue?

Context clues are words or phrases that come before or after a word you are not familiar with. We can use context clues to help us understand what an unfamiliar word means.

Just like a detective, we use clues!

Today we'll learn about types of context clues.

Types of Context Clues

Today we'll learn about two types of context clues!

1. Synonyms

2. Definitions

1. SYNONYMS

Words that have SIMILAR meanings.

Example:

Bill felt remorseful, or ashamed, for speaking to the waiter rudely.

Bill felt remorseful, or ashamed, for speaking to the waiter rudely.

2. DEFINITION

The meaning of the word is explained in the sentence.

Example:

Aaron is an entomologist, a person who studies insects.

Let's Try Some!

Quizzes Activity

Frequently

He is afraid of germs. He washes his hands frequently or often throughout the day.

Multiple Choice

He is afraid of germs. He washes his hands frequently or often throughout the day.

What type of context clue is it?

• Synonym

• Definition

Open Ended

He is afraid of germs. He washes his hands frequently or often throughout the day.

Clue Words:

(What words or phrases help me?)

Open Ended

He is afraid of germs. He washes his hands frequently or often throughout the day.

What I think the word means:

(Using my clues, what do I think the definition is?)

Isolated

Carl's house was isolated, there is nothing around it for miles.

Multiple Choice

Carl's house was isolated, there is nothing around it for miles.

What type of context clue is it?

• Synonym

• Definition

Open Ended

Carl's house was isolated, there is nothing around it for miles.

Clue Words:

(What words/phrases help me?)

Open Ended

Carl's house was isolated, there is nothing around it for miles.

What I think the word means:

(Using my clues, what do I think the word means?)

Severed

The rope was severed because of the intense game of tug-of-war, it was cut into two.

Multiple Choice

The rope was severed because of the intense game of tug-of-war, it was cut into two.

What type of context clue is it?

• Synonym

• Definition

Open Ended

The rope was severed because of the intense game of tug-of-war, it was cut into two.

Clue Words:

(What words/phrases help me?)

Open Ended

The rope was severed because of the intense game of tug-of-war, it was cut into two.

What I think the word means:

(Using my clues, what do I think the definition is?)

Horror

She watched in horror and fear as the house burned in the fire.

Multiple Choice

She watched in horror and fear as the house burned in the fire.

What type of context clue is it?

• Synonym

• Antonym

Open Ended

She watched in horror and fear as the house burned in the fire.

Clue Words:

(What words/phrases help me?)

Open Ended

She watched in horror and fear as the house burned in the fire.

What I think the word means:

(Using my clues, what do I think the definition is?)

Let's Review!

Types of context clues

Two types of context clues...

• Synonyms - words that have similar meaning

• Definitions- The meaning of the word is explained in the sentence.

Frequently

happening often or a lot

Horror

 extreme terror, a great and painful feeling of fear or shock.

Severed

to cut in two, broken

Isolated

to set apart or separate so as to be alone.

Love Works a Miracle

When Cindy Dunlop, paralyzed from the chest down, heard a splash and then silence in the backyard pool, she knew something was wrong. Cindy saw Kyla, her 17-month-old daughter, floating face down. After driving her wheelchair into the water, Cindy was able to use her head and arms to push Kyla out of the pool. Cindy crawled Army style to the phone and called for help. Cindy’s love and determination saved Kyla’s life.