Reading Context Clues

The word "like," as used in this paragraph, tells you that an example is being given to explain the meaning of a word or phrase.

• It introduces a comparison.

• It indicates a preference.

• It provides an example.

• It shows a sequence.

What are context clues?

• Clues that help you figure out the context.

• Hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word.

• A piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery

• A verbal formula giving an indication as to what is to be inserted in a particular space in a crossword or other puzzle.

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

Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. “We have such an extensive selection of cars,” he said, “so

everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!”

The word “extensive” means __________.

• costing a lot of money

• large amount

• having no color

• not enough

As it neared lunch time, the strong smell of pizza drifted down the hallway, quickly making our class hungry. This was probably due to the fact that out classroom was adjacent to the cafeteria; we were always the first ones in line for lunch. What is the meaning of the word adjacent in the paragraph?

• assistant

• next to

• far from

• inside

The weather forecaster announced that snow could start falling at any moment. I ran to the window as fast as a rabbit running from a fox. I stared out the window, longingly, as white powder accumulated on the cold, hard ground. After a few minutes, the grass was no longer visible, now covered with snow.

What is the meaning of the word accumulated in the paragraph?

• melted

• moved quickly

• exactly

• built up

The class sat nervously as our teacher paced in front of us, obviously angry. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, she spoke. “To say that I am disappointed is an understatement,” she fumed. “Though I know that some of you maintained your correct, appropriate behavior for the substitute, the majority of you chose to forget the classroom rules.”

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of appropriate?

• correct

• understatement

• dissapointed

• the majority of you

The D.J. hadn’t shown up yet. There were several leaks in the cafeteria ceiling letting in constant drops of rainwater. The decorations kept falling off of the walls. The dance was supposed to start in 20 minutes. Alexis, the head of the dance planning committee, was almost in tears. “This night is a mess,” she thought to herself. “It’s an absolute catastrophe!” What is the meaning of the word catastrophe in the paragraph?

• celebration

• event that causes change

• disaster

• funny story

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

Which of the following sentences uses context clues to define the word 'gregarious'?

• The gregarious child was always surrounded by friends.

• The gregarious child was shy and reserved.

• The gregarious child preferred to be alone.

• The gregarious child disliked social gatherings.