Context Clues

What are context clues?

• Background information about the author.

• Sentences that are difficult to understand.

• Words or phrases that have multiple meanings.

• Hints or information within a text that help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.

Why are context clues important in reading comprehension?

• To understand unfamiliar words or phrases.

• To improve vocabulary skills.

• To enhance critical thinking abilities.

• To develop inference and deduction skills.

Give an example of a synonym context clue.

• Example: The word 'happy' can be understood by the synonym 'content'.

• Example: The word 'happy' can be understood by the synonym 'delighted'.

• Example: The word 'happy' can be understood by the synonym 'joyful'.

• Example: The word 'happy' can be understood by the synonym 'ecstatic'.

Give an example of an antonym context clue.

• Example: The word 'hot' in the sentence 'The weather is hot, but the water is cold.' provides an antonym context clue for the word 'cold'.

• Example: The word 'scorching' in the sentence 'The weather is scorching, but the water is cold.' provides an antonym context clue for the word 'cold'.

• Example: The word 'freezing' in the sentence 'The weather is freezing, but the water is cold.' provides an antonym context clue for the word 'cold'.

• Example: The word 'warm' in the sentence 'The weather is warm, but the water is cold.' provides an antonym context clue for the word 'cold'.

What can you use as context clues?

• Pictures

• Words you know

• Examples and definitions

• All of the above

At the restaurant we were offered a variety of beverages, like milk and ice tea.

• bread
• silverware
• drinks
• milk

Pedestrians should look both ways before crossing the street

• crosswalks
• walkers
• stoplights
• parrots

His mother gets anxious if he stays outside after dark.

• nervous
• silly
• happy
• sleepy

My parents decided to update their kitchen. So, yesterday my dad let me demolish the cabinets with a sledgehammer!

• fix

• build

• break apart

• fill up with food

Every time I ask my mom to do something, she tells me that she will be there to help me in "five minutes." I have learned over the years that her five minutes is not a literal five minutes, but that she'll be there as as soon as she can.
What does the word literal mean?

• the actual meaning
• using figurative language
• an exaggeration