Context Clues Skills

Context clues give us clues about...

• the main characters

• the meaning of an unknown word in a sentence or paragraph

• the climax of the story

• the main conflict in a story

Which of the following are types of context clues?

• antonyms or contrasts

• synonyms or definitions

• repeating a word a lot

• examples

Mark some key words for when we use examples to help us understand a word

• such as

• like

• and

• for example

Read the following sentence. Pick the context clue that we're using: The vase is delicate because it can break easily.

• Synonym

• Definition

• Example

• Antonym or contrast

My friend is sometimes hasty when he does his homework. He does it too quickly and is careless.

• Examples

• Antonyms

• Definition

• Comparison

My sister is compassionate but can sometimes she can be mean.

• Definition

• Example

• Synonym

• Antonym

Mark some key words for antonyms or contrasts:

• on the other hand

• or

• but

• sometimes

Read the following sentence. Pick the context clue that we're using: I was astonished and amazed when I won free tickets to the concert!

• Synonym

• Example

• Inference

• Antonym

Why are context clues so important?

• Because sometimes we might now know what a word means but the author can give us clues that can show us the definition of a word.

• Because it's easier than using a dictionary.

• Because an author that gives us context is a better writer.

• Because writers can use clues such as examples, synonyms, definitions, antonyms and comparisons to give us clues about what tricky words mean.

Mark some key words for synonyms and definitions:

• commas followed by a synonym

• comparisons

• quick definition

• for example