CFU: Context Clues

What type of context clue is being described?

Sometimes, a word's or phrase's meaning is explained immediately after its use.

Example: Haberdashery, which is a store that sells men's clothing, is becoming more common today.

• synonym

• definition

• antonym

• inference

What type of context clue is being described?

Sometimes, a word or phrase is clarified by the presentation of the opposite meaning somewhere close to its use. Look for signal words!

Example: The painting of the landscape is picturesque, while the one of the old house is just plain ugly.

• synonym

• definition

• antonym

• inference

What type of context clue is used below?

You don't need to worry about talking to Mr. Fry. He is an affable principal.

• The Definition or an Example is given

• Synonym - a word that has a similar meaning

• Antonym - a word that has an opposite meaning

• Inference - you have to put clues together

What type of context clue is used below?

I miss Mr. Fry. Our new principal is cranky and hard to talk to. Mr. Fry was so affable.

• The Definition or an Example is given

• Synonym - a word that has a similar meaning

• Antonym - a word that has an opposite meaning

• Inference - you have to put clues together

Use context clues to determine the meaning of the word:

She blushed crimson with embarrassment.

• white

• blue

• red

• black

There was a variety of foods to choose from at the buffet: six kinds of salad dressing, seven different types of breads, and at least a dozen different desserts!

• mixture

• similarity

• delicious

• hunger

After the tornado swept through our town, many homes were destroyed. It took nearly three weeks to refurbish our home well enough to move back in to.

• rickety or unbalanced

• destruction or tear down

• renovate or fix

• supportive or helpful

Why do we need to find and use context clues?

• They give hints to the meaning of new or difficult words.

• They introduce the characters.

• They explain the plot of the story.

• They tell you the exact definition of each word.

There is a legal battle raging and the judges are concerned that time is running out. Lawyers are being asked to expedite the matter by getting their paperwork in early.

What does “expedite” mean?

• quicken

• agree on

• sue

• discuss

What does the word vast mean in the sentence below?

Dianna has a vast amount of friends in all different cliques in school.

• a large amount

• a few

• select few

• very special