Context Clues

When you are reading and come to an unknown word, what should you do first?

• Look for clues in the text

• Skip it and keep reading

• Look it up in a dictionary

• Ask the teacher what it means

Based on the clues in the passage below, ecstatic means...

They were ecstatic at the birth of their baby. They couldn't stop smiling for days.

• nervous

• watchful

• discouraged

• excited

Based on the context clues in the passage below, eliminate means...

Please eliminate the blank lines between the pictures. They were not supposed to be there.

• delete

• find

• color

• add

Read the passage: Chloe's mom was eager to volunteer in her daughter's classroom. She arrived an hour early so she'd be the first in line to sign up.

What does eager mean?

• very excited to do something

• too busy to do something

• unsure how to do something

• too lazy to do something

What does the word accomplished mean as it is used in this text?

"Although Thomas Jefferson was an accomplished man, many people do not know that he was a talented gardener who devoted much of his time to caring for the land around his plantation home.

• Popular

• Funny

• Thoughtful

• Successful

Read the passage:

Becky rushed outside at recess. The swings are a popular activity and she wanted to grab one quickly. Luckily, there was one vacant swing. Becky got to it just in time.

What is the meaning of vacant?

• full

• broken

• empty

• crowded

Inference: I was aghast when I found out my neighbor had robbed the jewelry store and stolen $100,000 in diamonds!

What is the best meaning of the word aghast?

• shocked

• not surprised

• bored

• interested

Definition: In order to become law, all 13 colonies had to ratify, or approve, the Constitution.

What is the best meaning of the word ratify?

• vote

• understand

• approve

• discuss

Example: Nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help our bodies grow.

What is the best meaning of the word nutritious?

• frozen

• sweet

• colorful

• healthy

Antonym: Some children were willing to play in the snow, but others were reluctant because it was so cold.

What is the best meaning of the word reluctant?

• eager

• unwilling

• fearful

• afraid