Context Clues

Tue or false:

Can you determine the definition of an unknown word by reading other words in the sentence?

• true

• false

What does the word context clue mean?

• Use a dictionary

• The dictionary entry is given

• It is when the reader uses information that is located near a word or phrase. This information or these clues are used to give suggestions about the unknown word's meaning

Which words from the sentence help the reader understand the meaning of the word appalled?



The teacher was appalled, or disgusted, by the honey covered homework the student turned in.

• pleased

• surprised

• frustrated

• disgusted

Which words from the sentence help the reader understand the meaning of the word clarify?

When he didn’t understand the instructions, the student asked the teacher to clarify, or explain them.

• remove

• call

• explain

• stop

Which words from the story help the reader understand the meaning of the word allotted?

Sam listened to the radio on his way to school every morning. One day, he heard that there was going to be a contest. The first five callers would win tickets to Walt Disney World! Sam had a mom and 2 brothers at home, and he knew this would make the best family vacation.

On Monday, Sam quickly dialed the number. The DJ answered the phone and told Sam that he was caller #4! Sam won! When Sam went to retrieve his tickets, he did not realize that each contestant would be allotted only two tickets, so not everyone from his family would be allowed to enter the park.

Although Sam was happy that he won the contest, he wished his whole family could attend the theme park.

• allowed

• joyful

• taken

• fed

Which words from the sentence help the reader understand the meaning of the word gloomy?

It rained all morning, and the students could not go out to recess. Even though the rain went away by 12, clouds still filled the sky. It was a gloomy day.

• sunny

• cloudy

• bright

The broccoli was gruesome. We hid it under our plates, so mom wouldn't make us eat it.

What does the word gruesome mean?

• delicious

• yummy

• gross

• green

Which words from the story help the reader understand the meaning of the word grueling?

The Ford Family decided to take a family vacation to Colorado. The daughters learned in school that the state of Colorado was home to many beautiful mountains, so the family decided to take an afternoon hike. When they looked at pictures of the mountain, the hike did not look so grueling, but the trail was steep and tiring.

• loud

• tiring

• easy

• long

What does the word parched mean as used in the sentence?

I was so parched, I drank an entire glass of water in one gulp.

• hungry

• thirsty

• sleepy

• tired

The delightful aroma, or smell, of food cooking in the kitchen made my mouth water.

• smell

• color

• wealth

• texture