Context Clues

In his first novel, the mysterious post man is the perfect example of a lugubrious character, always seeming to

be ready to cry and never smiling.

• seeming in control

• looking sad

• friendly

• crazy misfit

“Oh, frabjous day!” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe I got the job!”

• exhausted

• nice

• wonderful

• terrible

The retired man looked forward to receiving his diurnal newspaper, delivered each morning at promptly 10 a.m.

• daily

• new

• angry

• irregular

____are hints that an author gives to help a reader understand a difficult word.

• stage directions
• context clues
• prior knowledge
• plot lines

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

• Look for clues in the sentence
• Ask your teacher
• Look it up in the dictionary
• Skip it

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

Based on the context clues in the sentence, ecstatic means:

• Nervous
• Discouraged
• Excited
• Relieved

Many Northern birds migrate for the winter.  They return in the spring.

Based on context clues in the passage, migrate means _____________.

• Lay eggs
• Eat
• Move away
• Sing

What is the definition of the highlighted word?
Grandpa was in a jovial mood, making jokes and laughing at everything. 

• crazy
• happy
• irritable
• angry

What is the definition of the highlighted word?
Diane was lethargic and didn’t have the energy to get out of bed.

• Tired
• Hyper
• Confused
• Bouncy

Read the passage below.  Which word(s) best help you understand the meaning of the word obedient?

The obedient child always followed her mother's requests.  That night, she brushed her teeth, folded her clothes, and went to bed before her mother had to come in and remind her.  

• Followed her mother's requests
• Folded her clothes
• Brushed her teeth
• That night