Context Clues - Examples

Read the sentence. What is the meaning of the word culinary? He was excited for cooking class to improve his culinary skills, such as baking, grilling, and frying.

• Related to eating quickly

• Related to cooking and kitchens

• Related to cleaning dishes

• Related to growing food

Answer explanation

The examples 'baking, grilling, and frying' are all types of cooking. This context helps you infer that 'culinary' is related to cooking.

Match each word to the sentence that uses examples to define it.

• The autumn foliage was beautiful, with leaves of red, orange, and yellow.

• Foliage

• We studied different biomes in science, including the desert and the rainforest.

• Biomes

• The store sells outdoor apparel, such as coats, boots, and hats.

• Apparel

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides specific examples (e.g., 'red, orange, and yellow' for foliage) that clarify the meaning of the bolded word.

In the sentence below, which word signals that examples are being provided? My brother has many hobbies, including skateboarding and playing guitar.

• many

• hobbies

• including

• and

Answer explanation

The word 'including' is a signal word that introduces a list of examples, which in this case are 'skateboarding and playing guitar'.

Sort the sentences into the correct category: 'Uses Examples to Define a Word' or 'Does Not Use Examples'.

Groups:

(a) Uses Examples to Define a Word

,

(b) Does Not Use Examples

• Fantasy books are my favorite.

• She enjoys many genres, like fantasy and mystery.

• He is a very handy person.

• He packed tools, for example, a hammer and a wrench.

Answer explanation

Sentences that use signal words like 'like' or 'for example' followed by a list are providing examples to define a word ('genres', 'tools'). The other sentences state an opinion or a fact without providing examples.

Read the sentence. What is the most likely meaning of adversity? She showed great courage in the face of adversity, for instance, losing her job and getting a flat tire on the same day.

• A celebration or party

• A difficult or unlucky situation

• A feeling of extreme happiness

• A planned and organized event

Answer explanation

The examples 'losing her job' and 'getting a flat tire' are both difficult situations. These clues help you understand that 'adversity' means hardship or misfortune.

Read the sentence below. Based on the examples given, what does the word **percussion** most likely refer to? The music class focused on **percussion**, and students learned to play instruments like drums, cymbals, and xylophones.

• A type of musical instrument played by striking it

• String instruments like guitars and violins

• The act of reading sheet music

• Wind instruments that are blown into

Answer explanation

The sentence gives examples of percussion instruments—drums, cymbals, and xylophones. All of these are played by being struck, which helps the reader understand that 'percussion' relates to this action and the instruments involved.

How do example clues, such as 'for instance' and 'like,' help a reader understand an unfamiliar word?

• They provide a formal definition from a dictionary.

• They show what the word is not.

• They give specific instances that clarify the word's general meaning.

• They make the sentence longer and more confusing.

Answer explanation

Example clues provide concrete context, helping the reader build a mental picture of what the unfamiliar word means by showing what it includes.

Sort the following phrases into two groups: 'Example Signal Phrases' and 'Contrast Signal Phrases'.

Groups:

(a) Example Signal Phrases

,

(b) Contrast Signal Phrases

• in contrast

• on the other hand

• for example

• including

• however

• such as

Answer explanation

'For example,' 'such as,' and 'including' all introduce examples. 'In contrast,' 'on the other hand,' and 'however' all signal a change or difference.

Read the sentence. What does the word celestial mean? The astronomer studied celestial bodies, like stars, planets, and comets.

• Relating to the ocean

• Relating to the sky or outer space

• Relating to tiny organisms

• Relating to ancient history

Answer explanation

The examples 'stars, planets, and comets' are all objects found in outer space. This context indicates that 'celestial' means relating to the sky.

Read the sentence. Based on the examples provided, what is the meaning of the word **condiments**? For the barbecue, we need to buy various **condiments**, such as ketchup for the burgers, mustard for the hot dogs, and relish for both.

• Different types of grilled meats

• Substances added to food to enhance its flavor

• Main dishes served at a party

• The specific items ketchup, mustard, and relish

Answer explanation

The sentence provides examples of condiments—ketchup, mustard, and relish. These are all substances added to food to improve its taste, which helps the reader infer that condiments are used to enhance flavor.