Types of context clues

After several English explorations of North America, a permanent settlement was attempted by Queen Elizabeth in 1587. Over 100 settlers departed England to build a new colony in the Chesapeake Bay area on the coast of North Carolina. John White was the leader of the colonists, as he had previous experience in the area. The colonists attempted to build relationships with the local Native Americans that lived nearby, but the relationship was arduous because of some difficult experiences in the past. After some challenging months, John White went back to England for more supplies for the settlement.

What is the meaning of the word arduous?

• easy

• difficult

• expensive

• cheap

After several English explorations of North America, a permanent settlement was attempted by Queen Elizabeth in 1587. Over 100 settlers departed England to build a new colony in the Chesapeake Bay area on the coast of North Carolina. John White was the leader of the colonists, as he had previous experience in the area. The colonists attempted to build relationships with the local Native Americans that lived nearby, but the relationship was arduous because of some difficult experiences in the past. After some challenging months, John White went back to England for more supplies for the settlement.

Which type of context clue can help you determine the meaning of arduous?

• definition

• example

• cause and effect

• antonym

When he returned three years later, John White was baffled to find the colony completely abandoned without any real evidence to show why they left. Among the missing colonists were White’s daughter and granddaughter. Some of the buildings had been taken down, which led White to believe that they had not necessarily left quickly. John White had told the settlers to carve a certain symbol if they were in peril, or any dangerous situation, and they had not done so, which led White to believe that they left willingly. The word CROATOAN was carved into a board causing White to believe that the settlers had possibly moved to nearby Croatoan Island.

What is the meaning of the word peril?

• danger

• hunger

• sickness

• isolation

When he returned three years later, John White was baffled to find the colony completely abandoned without any real evidence to show why they left. Among the missing colonists were White’s daughter and granddaughter. Some of the buildings had been taken down, which led White to believe that they had not necessarily left quickly. John White had told the settlers to carve a certain symbol if they were in peril, or any dangerous situation, and they had not done so, which led White to believe that they left willingly. The word CROATOAN was carved into a board causing White to believe that the settlers had possibly moved to nearby Croatoan Island.

Which type of context clue helped you determine the meaning of the word peril?

• synonym

• example

• definition

• cause and effect

The glass plate shattered when it hit the floor and broke into a thousand pieces.

What is the meaning of the word shattered?

• break into pieces

• bounced

• made a loud voice

• dropped

The glass plate shattered when it hit the floor and broke into a thousand pieces.

What type of context clue helped you determine the meaning?

• example

• comparison

• antonym

• synonym

Margaret had ambivalent feelings about attending the concert. She knew she’d enjoy the music, but she didn’t really want to go out in the rainy weather.

What is the meaning of the word ambivalent?

• clear

• mixed

• angry

• distrustful

Margaret had ambivalent feelings about attending the concert. She knew she’d enjoy the music, but she didn’t really want to go out in the rainy weather.

How did you figure out the meaning of the word?

• example

• explanation

• synonym

• antonym

Unlike my parents, who love classical music, I detest it.

What is the meaning of the word detest?

• adore

• perform

• hate

• love

Unlike my parents, who love classical music, I detest it.

Which context clue helped you?

• example

• explanation

• synonym

• antonym