Context Clues - Examples

My brother has many phobias, for example, a fear of spiders, a fear of heights, and a fear of small spaces. What does phobias mean?

• Intense, irrational fears

• Favorite hobbies or activities

• Different types of insects

• Feelings of happiness

Answer explanation

The examples given—fear of spiders, heights, and small spaces—all point to the meaning of 'phobias' as intense fears.

Match each sentence starter to the type of clue it provides.

• Provides a contrast

• Because it was raining...

• Provides a reason

• The car was red, but...

• Provides an example

• Some artists, such as...

Answer explanation

The phrase 'such as' signals an example. 'But' signals a contrast, and 'because' signals a reason. Recognizing these signal words is key to understanding context.

Sort the sentences into two categories: 'Uses Examples for a Definition' or 'Does Not Use Examples'.

Groups:

(a) Uses Examples for a Definition

,

(b) Does Not Use Examples

• The book was very long and difficult to read.

• Reptiles, like snakes and lizards, are cold-blooded.

• She enjoys many genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery.

• My friend is a talented musician.

Answer explanation

The first and third sentences use clue words ('including,' 'like') and lists to provide examples that help define 'genres' and 'reptiles.' The other two sentences are simple statements without examples.

The buffet had a plethora of food choices, including pizza, tacos, pasta, and a huge salad bar. What does plethora mean?

• A small amount

• A large or excessive amount

• A specific type of food

• A lack of options

Answer explanation

The long list of different food choices (pizza, tacos, pasta, salad bar) serves as an example to show that 'plethora' means a large amount.

In the sentence, 'He packed all the necessary attire, such as shorts, t-shirts, and a jacket,' which word signals an example is coming?

• all

• and

• such as

• necessary

Answer explanation

The phrase 'such as' is a common signal phrase used to introduce examples that clarify a general term, in this case, 'attire.'

Match each word to its most likely meaning based on the example sentence.

• Tools or instruments

• She felt jubilant after winning the race, cheering and jumping for joy.

• The ability to recover quickly from difficulties

• He showed great resilience, for example, by studying hard after failing a test and eventually earning an A.

• Feeling great happiness

• The room was filled with various implements, like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches.

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides examples that clarify the meaning of the bolded word. Hammers and screwdrivers are tools (implements), cheering is a sign of happiness (jubilant), and recovering from failure shows resilience.

Which sentence best uses examples to help a reader understand the word conifers?

• Conifers are trees that grow in many parts of the world.

• I learned about different types of conifers in science class today.

• Conifers, such as pine, spruce, and fir trees, have needles and cones.

• The forest was dense with tall, green conifers.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses the clue phrase 'such as' and provides specific examples (pine, spruce, fir) to clarify what kind of trees conifers are. The other options describe conifers but do not provide defining examples.

Sort these words and phrases into two groups: 'Words That Signal Examples' and 'Words That Signal Contrast.'

Groups:

(a) Words That Signal Examples

,

(b) Words That Signal Contrast

• for instance

• but

• including

• on the other hand

• however

• such as

Answer explanation

'For instance,' 'including,' and 'such as' are used to introduce examples. 'However,' 'on the other hand,' and 'but' are used to show a difference or opposition.

The artist used a variety of hues in her painting, for instance, deep blues, bright yellows, and soft pinks. What are hues?

• Types of paintbrushes

• Colors or shades

• Painting techniques

• Picture frames

Answer explanation

The examples given—deep blues, bright yellows, and soft pinks—are all types of colors, which helps you infer that 'hues' means colors or shades.

In the sentence, 'Many predators, including lions, sharks, and eagles, hunt other animals for food,' which word is being defined by the examples?

• animals

• food

• hunt

• predators

Answer explanation

The examples 'lions, sharks, and eagles' are all types of predators. The list helps to clarify the meaning of the general category word, which is 'predators.'