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WorksheetsDefinition Context Clues
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 15mins
What does IRATE mean?
happy
sleepy
angry
devestated
Name the context clue: the unknown word is explained by providing the actual definition.
synonym (restatement)
antonym (contrast)
definition
example (general)
How do you spot a definition context clue?
a comma
a dash
parenthesis
any of the above!
What is the point of context clues?
to make words more difficult or confusing
to help find the meaning of words
to write a sentence
to make reading harder
Telling what a word means within the sentence is an example of what type of context clue?
Antonym
Synonym
Example
Definition
Night is the time when many animals forage, or search, for food.
Which type of context clue is being used?
Antonym
Synonym
Example
Definition
The snake slithered across the back porch when my mother chased it with a broom.
Select the best definition for the underlined word based on the context clues.
stopped
moved
slept
ate
Our dog gnawed through the rope, allowing him to get loose and leave the backyard.
Select the best definition for the underlined word based on the context clues.
stopped
moved
slept
chewed
Jan took one look at the hideous creature and ran away in disgust.
Select the best definition for the underlined word based on the context clues.
very ugly and frightful
beautiful but frightful
very happy and excited
very scared and alone
What is a definition context clue?
A hint that provides a synonym for the word
A hint that provides an antonym for the word
A hint that provides the actual definition of the word
A hint that provides an example of the word
Which sentence uses a definition context clue?
The arboreal creature, or tree-dwelling animal, was hard to spot.
The arboreal creature was hard to spot, unlike the ground-dwelling ones.
The arboreal creature was hard to spot because it was camouflaged.
The arboreal creature was hard to spot, and it was very quiet.
How can you identify a definition context clue in a sentence?
Look for commas or dashes that set off the definition
Look for words like 'but' or 'however'
Look for examples that illustrate the word
Look for a list of items
Why are definition context clues useful in reading comprehension?
They make sentences longer and more complex
They help readers understand the meaning of unfamiliar words
They provide a summary of the text
They confuse the reader with too much information
In the sentence, 'The nocturnal animal, or night-active creature, was rarely seen during the day,' what type of context clue is used?
Antonym
Synonym
Definition
Example
Which of the following is an example of a definition context clue?
The cat was aloof, or not friendly, towards strangers.
The cat was aloof, unlike the dog.
The cat was aloof, as it always stayed in the corner.
The cat was aloof, and it never played with the children.
