Context Clues Types and Signal Words

What do you call a word that has the opposite meaning of another word?

• a homonym

• a synonym

• an antonym

• an explanation

A context clue that explains the word's meaning is a ___________ context clue.

• Inference

• Example

• Synonym

• Defintion

Readers must ___________ when a word in a passage does not have clearly defined context clues.

• rewrite the word

• make an inference

• try to think of examples

What type of context clue is underlined in the following sentence?

Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars are part of our solar system.

• definition

• example

• antonym

• inference

What type of context clue is underlined in the following sentence?

His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, was frightening to see.

• definition

• example

• antonym

• inference

What type of context clue is underlined in the following sentence?

When the light brightens, the pupils of the eyes contract; however, when it grows darker, they dilate.

• definition

• inference

• antonym

• synonym

What do you call a word that has similar meaning?

• sinonym

• synoym

• homonym

• synonym

When I observe my sister, I can't help but notice how savvy she is. Shrewd and clever, she always makes good decisions. I find her inspirational and when I am around her, I strive to be like her.

Which phrase from the passage provides context clues for the meaning of the word savvy?

• "When I observed my sister"

• "I find her"

• "Shrewd and clever"

• "as she is"

She gave a cordial greeting-so different from the cold, unfriendly words she had said before.

What is the meaning of the word "cordial" as it is used in the sentence above?

• quiet and proud

• angry and annoyed

• happy and joyful

• friendly and warm

The clown was irate. He angrily smashed the birthday cake and popped balloons before fleeing the party.

Which word or phrase from the passage helps you figure out the meaning of the word "irate"?

• "fleeing"

• "The clown"

• "birthday cake"

• "angrily smashed"