USING CONTEXT CLUES IN READING

The idea: Break down the different parts a word - base word (or root), prefix, suffix - to figure out what it means.

Ex: discrimination

dis- : not, opposite of

crimin: verdict, judicial decision

tion: indicates the word is noun

• Word Parts

• Definition / Explanation

• Synonym

• Example

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The idea: Look for a definition or an explanation within the sentence.

Ex: Discrimination or unfairly targeting one or more groups by those who perceive themselves to be superior can cause distress.

• Word Parts

• Definition / Explanation

• Synonym

• Example

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The idea: Words next to the unknown word can be a clue that there is a synonym.

Ex: Discrimination or bias can cause distress toward the targeted people.

• Word Parts

• Definition / Explanation

• Synonym

• Example

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The idea: Providing examples of the unknown word can give readers a clue to meaning.

Ex: Vulnerable people, such as young children, the elderly, or handicapped individuals, might have protections under certain laws.

• Word Parts

• Definition / Explanation

• Synonym

• Example

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The idea: Look for the grammatical structure of appositives which can provide definition, synonym, or example.

Ex: Discrimination, the act of showing bias to one group, can have damaging effects.

• Appositive

• Definition / Explanation

• Antonym / Contrast

• Analogy

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

The idea: Comparisons of the word help to determine what it means.

Ex: The ill effects of discrimination are like hateful, wicked trendils gripping the heart.

• Appositive

• Definition / Explanation

• Antonym / Contrast

• Analogy

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

The idea: Opposite information about unknown word can be offset by words and phrases such as unlike, as opposed to, different from.

Ex: Discrimination, as opposed to fairness for all people, can have damaging effects on a targeted group.

• Appositive

• Definition / Explanation

• Antonym / Contrast

• Analogy

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Read the sentence, and identify the context clue used.

Unlike animals that hunt during the day, nocturnal hunters must find their way in the darkness.

• Synonym

• Antonym

• Appositive

• Example

• Definition

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Read the sentence, and identify the context clue used.

A country imports, or brings in, products from other countries .

• Synonym

• Antonym

• Appositive

• Example

• Definition

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Read the sentence, and identify the context clue used.

The animals feed on grasses, leafy plants, shrubs, and other vegetation.

• Synonym

• Antonym

• Appositive

• Example

• Definition

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4