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Context Clues (Intermediate)

1. The document describes 8 different types of context clues that can help determine the meaning of an unknown word: definition, synonym/restatement, antonym/contrast, comparison, example/explanation, cause and effect, list or series, and inference. 2. Each type is explained and includes signal words commonly used with that type of context clue as well as examples to illustrate how it can help define an unfamiliar word. 3. Context clues provide essential information about determining the meaning of unknown words from context within a sentence or paragraph rather than an explicit definition.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
3K views12 pages

Context Clues (Intermediate)

1. The document describes 8 different types of context clues that can help determine the meaning of an unknown word: definition, synonym/restatement, antonym/contrast, comparison, example/explanation, cause and effect, list or series, and inference. 2. Each type is explained and includes signal words commonly used with that type of context clue as well as examples to illustrate how it can help define an unfamiliar word. 3. Context clues provide essential information about determining the meaning of unknown words from context within a sentence or paragraph rather than an explicit definition.

Uploaded by

M M
Copyright
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TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES 

TYPE DESCRIPTION CLUES EXAMPLE


”SIGNAL WORDS”
1. Definition The author provides a direct  Is, are ‐ Martha is a curator, a person who is 
(explicit) definition of an  Is /are called responsible for looking after a museum’s 
unknown word in the  Is / are known as collection. 
sentence.  Is defined as ‐Entomology is the study of insects. 
Means, Refers to ‐ Archeology is the scientific study of prehistoric 
cultures by excavation of their remains.  
2. Synonym or The author uses a word having  Commas , Semicolon ; ­ Carnivores, that is, meat eaters, are the top of 
Restatement the same or nearly the same  Dashes - the food chain. 
meaning as another word or  Parenthesis ( ) ‐ My best friend squandered all his money; his 
other words in a sentence.  Sometimes signal words drinking and gambling wasted all his earnings. 
or, that is, or in other ‐After seeing the picture of the starving children, 
words are used. we all felt compassion or pity for their suffering. 
‐ After a time, glaciers, or slowly moving rivers 
of ice, formed over many parts of the Earth. 
3. Antonym or The author uses another word  Words used are: ‐Mike’s parrot was loquacious,  
Contrast or phrase that means the  But, however, but Maria’s said very little. 
opposite of an unfamiliar  although, otherwise,
word  unless, instead of, on
the contrary, on the
other hand, while, ‐The gentleman was portly, but his wife was thin. 
unlike. ‐While Luis is hardworking, his indolent brother 
spends most of the time watching TV or sitting 
around with friends. 

4. Comparison In comparison clues, the  Words used are: ‐My brother is enthralled by birds similar to the 


author uses words and  like, as, similar to, in way that I am fascinated by insects. 
phrases that have the same or  the same way, ‐ The stench of the old shoes was like the smell of 
similar meaning as an  likewise, resembling, garbage.  
unfamiliar word.  too, also
TYPE DESCRIPTION CLUES EXAMPLE
”SIGNAL WORDS”
5. Example/ The author provides examples  For example ‐The archeologist found different amulets, such 
Explanation or additional explanations or  For instance as a rabbit’s foot and bags of herb. 
summaries to help you  Including ‐Paula was suspended from school because of 
understand an unfamiliar  Such as several infractions of the rules, including 
word. The word is cleared up  Specifically smoking in the bathroom and dressing 
by giving an example.  To illustrate improperly. 
­ Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and 
stars, are governed by predictable laws. 
6. Cause and The meaning of an unknown  As a result ‐Since no one came to the first meeting, 
Effect word depends on the  Accordingly attendance for the second one is mandatory for 
cause/effect relationship with  Because, Since all staff. 
other words in the text.  Consequently ‐ Because the conflagration was aided by wind, it 
For this reason was so destructive that every building in the area 
Hence, if … then was completely burned to the ground. 
7. List or The unfamiliar word is  Look for a list of ‐North American predators include grizzly bears, 
Series included in a series of related  words pumas, wolves, and foxes. 
words that give an idea of the  ‐The debris in the stadium stands included 
word’s meaning.  numerous paper cups, ticket stubs, sandwich 
wrappings, and cigarette butts. 
8. Inference The meaning of an unfamiliar  Look for clues over ‐The monkey’s vociferous chatter made me wish 
or General word can be inferred  several words or I had earplugs. 
(guessed) from the  sentences ‐ Katie’s belligerence surprised everyone. She 
Context description of a situation.  threw her book across the room, glared at Chris, 
The author provides non‐ and then pushed him to the floor. 
specific clues, often spread 
over the sentence or number 
of sentences. 
   

Context Clues
Directions: Read the sentence and choose the meaning of the underlined word.

1. The child was rushed to the 5. The greedy child was snatching
hospital after she had an adverse candy from the shelf.
reaction to the medicine. a. Happy
a. Healing b. Pleasant
b. Harmful c. Giving
c. Soothing d. Selfish
d. Helpful

2. The novice teacher was excited 6. You should not belittle his effort
about her first teaching job since but thank him for trying.
graduating college. a. Make important
a. Experienced b. Make unimportant
b. Beginner c. Make inviting
c. Knowledgeable d. Make appealing
d. Stern

3. The alluring aroma of the cookies 7. The sun suddenly vanished from
drew Sandy toward the kitchen for a view as the storm clouds rolled across
taste. the sky.
a. Unpleasant a. Appeared
b. Unappetizing b. Danced
c. Desirable c. Disappeared
d. Obnoxious d. Floated

4. The man should go to jail for his 8. The soldiers crouched down low
inhumane treatment of his horses. behind their vehicle and waited for
the enemy to pass.
a. Loving
a. Stooped with bent knees
b. Caring
b. Stood straight and tall
c. Proper
c. Leaned against
d. Cruel
d. Ran from
   

Context Clues
Directions: Read the sentence and choose the meaning of the underlined word.

1. Jimmy thanked his employer for 5. Please deposit your books in your
giving him holiday pay for last Monday. locker before going to lunch.
a) Remove
a) A friend
b) Put
b) Someone you work with
c) Get
c) Someone you work for
d) Admire
d) Some who works for somebody

6. The artificial flavoring in the cake


2. The artist completed the
illustration of the heart for the didn’t taste like strawberries at all.
science textbook. a) Imitation
b) Natural
a) A summary
c) Sour
b) A definition
d) Sweet
c) A description
d) Drawing

7. Birds migrate to the warmer south


3. A faithful dog sure makes a good
each winter.
companion when you are fishing.
a) Explore
a) Someone who’s an enemy
b) Instinct
b) Someone who accompanies you
c) Move
c) Someone who teaches you
d) Season
d) Someone who disturbs you

8. Was the clown able to amuse the


4. Please conduct yourself as if your
children in the hospital?
mother was sitting beside you.
a) Leave
a) Behave
b) Forget
b) Like
c) Discharge
c) Settle
d) Entertain
d) Obey
   

Context Clues
Directions: Read the sentence and choose the meaning of the underlined word.

1. Be sure to allow ample time to 5. The nimble gymnast jumped and


finish your homework before baseball turned flips across the floor with
practice. ease.
a) Enough a) Quick and light in movement
b) A portion b) Clumsy and slow
c) Estimate c) Quick and clumsy
d) Contain d) Untalented

2. I wanted to embrace the crying 6. The protective mother bear


little girl to comfort her. refused to abandon her cubs as fire
moved closer.
a) Reject
b) Relieve a) Protect
c) Hug b) Keep
d) Discipline c) Leave
d) Move

3. We have a new principal this year 7. Mary stopped to browse around the
since Mrs. Smith resigned. art supply store before the sale
began.
a) Voluntarily quit
b) Made to quite a) Casually look around
c) Asked for a job b) Move things around
d) Needed help c) Hide things
d) Make a list

4. Fruits and vegetables were scarce 8. Jim’s little sister loves to pester
last year during the drought. him and his friends while they
a) More than needed practice.
b) Ripe and plump a) Ignore
c) In short supply b) Spy on
d) Abundant c) Forget
d) Annoy
   

Context Clues
Directions: Read the sentence and choose the meaning of the underlined word.

1. The judge asked each jury member


if they could be impartial when making 5. The teacher asked the students to
their decision. cease talking or lose their privileges.
a) Knowledgeable a) Continue
b) Fair and just b) Return
c) Partial to one c) Stop
d) Undecided d) Shout

2. The kittens were nestled cozily in


the bed with their mother. 6. The worst singer was eliminated
from the contest last night.
a) Played quietly
b) Purring softly a) Advanced
c) Settled comfortably b) Participated
d) Slept c) Promoted
d) Removed
3. The soldiers packed their
provisions in their knapsacks and 7. Do not let the bully intimidate you
boarded the bus. into withdrawing from the contest.
a) Food supplies a) Frighten into
b) Family photos b) Encourage
c) Phones c) Assist
d) Paper d) Inquire

4. The spectators gawked at the man


who was dressed in clothes made of 8. His pompous attitude makes others
grass. not like him.
a) Yelled loudly
a) Cheerful
b) Stared stupidly
b) Encouraging
c) Waved
c) Self-important
d) Noticed
d) Loving
   

Context Clues
Directions: Read the sentence and choose the meaning of the underlined word.

1. Cindy detests the thought of 5. The new sign will indicate which
reciting her poem in front of the lane leads to the hospital exit.
entire school. a) Obscure
a) Looks forward to b) Block
b) Dislike intensely c) Point out
c) Happily anticipates d) Predict
d) Relishes

2. The baker made dainty little 6. The fragrant flowers helped to


flowers from sugar to decorate the cover the litter box odor.
birthday cake. a) Obnoxious
a) Large b) Pleasant smelling
b) Ugly c) Beautiful
c) Beautiful d) Blooming
d) Delicate

3. Since I learned my multiplication 7. The dog escaped when the gate was
facts, I am now capable of doing long left ajar last night.
division problems. a) Slightly open
a) Unable b) Closed tightly
b) Have the ability c) Hanging
c) Without skill d) Secured
d) Unworthy

4. The citizens knew that the 8. Due to the rain, the baseball game
hurricane was going to devastate their will be postponed until further notice.
town. a) Rescheduled
a) Destroy b) Delayed
b) Intimidate c) Anticipated
c) Blow over d) Advertised
d) Freshen
Context Clues - Use them to help you figure out the meaning of a word.

Directions: Read each sentence. Use the context clues to help figure out the meaning
of the underlined word. Fill in the circle for the correct answer.

1. That green and orange bird with the purple tuft on its head looks very peculiar.
O large O strange O dangerous

2. The U.S. abolished slavery in 1965, making it illegal to own another person.
O ended O recognized O confirmed

3. The use of computers has made the old fashioned typewriter obsolete.
O famous O not used O needed

4. The immense size of the table made it impossible to get through the door.
O tiny O miniature O enormous

5. We watched in awe as the performer swallowed a three foot sword.


O amazement O boredom O calmness

6. If you adhere to the rules, the game will be won honestly.


O disobey O disregard O abide by

7. The family's food supply was depleted during the month long blizzard.
O used up O unused O stocked

8. We watched in horror as the plane plummeted to the Earth during the air show.
O rose O floated O plunged

9. Our abundant crop of corn should feed us for several years.


O small O plentiful O scarce

10. The children snuggled under many blankets to ward off the frigid air.
O freezing O blowing O warm
Context Clues - Use them to help you figure out the meaning of a

Directions: Read each sentence. Use the context clues to help figure out the meaning
of the underlined word. Fill in the circle for the correct answer.

1. Everyone complained about the bland taste of the potatoes.


O tasteless O delicious O wonderful

2. Stop arguing with your brother before it escalates into a fight.


O stops O worsens O lessens

3. Do not evade the question just because you don't want to admit the truth.
O avoid O repeat O face

4. You must stop worrying because it does no good to dwell on what might happen.
O think about O forget O leave behind

5. Cindy raised her hand in order to ask the teacher to clarify the directions.
O eliminate O explain O rewrite

6. Due to the gas leak, they were asked to remain calm and vacate the building.
O remain O stay O leave

7. The fireman broke down the door and went in to retrieve the family pet.
O get O notify O look for

8. The play will finally conclude with the entire cast singing Fame.
O begin O start O end

9. The curtain was opened to reveal the new and improved version of the car.
O show O hide O subside

10. Don invented a flexible pencil that could be wrapped around your wrist.
O rigid O bendable O stiff
Context Clues - Use them to help you figure out the meaning of a word.
Directions: Read each sentence. Use the context clues to help figure out the meaning
of the underlined word. Fill in the circle for the correct answer.

1. The weary travelers wanted nothing more than a comfortable bed.


O excited O angry O exhausted

2. Because Sue was distracted by talking on her cell phone, she wrecked her car.
O preoccupied O bored O observant

3. She stopped abruptly in front of me, causing me to run into her.


O slowly O suddenly O gradually

4. The adjacent buildings caught on fire when the restaurant exploded.


O nearby O distant O wooden

5. Prior knowledge of the dangers involved makes you more careful when rock climbing.
O later O advance O untrue

6. The murky water made it hard to see the fish swimming around in the pond.
O clear O bright O cloudy

7. That movie was so hilarious that I laughed until I could hardly breathe.
O sad O humorous O tragic

8. It is inconsiderate to shirk your responsibility once you’ve given your word.


O avoid O face O meet

9. Digging ditches with a shovel is grueling work, and I don’t want to do it.
O easy O exhausting O entertaining

10. After receiving the grim diagnosis of cancer, Mary needed time alone.
O bleak O hopeful O encouraging
Context Clues - Use them to help you figure out the meaning of a word.

Directions: Read each sentence. Use the context clues to help figure out the meaning
of the underlined word. Fill in the circle for the correct answer.

1. Please notify me by email when you have an opening in your schedule.


O alert O disregard O assist

2. Don’t let the multiple steps overwhelm you. Just complete one at a time.
O bore O overcome O inviting

3. Sandy bestowed the bride and groom with a honeymoon in Europe.


O withheld O deprived O gave

4. If is very hospitable of Aunt Sally to ask the storm victims to stay with her.
O friendly O discouraging O rude

5. If your immune system is weak, you easily succumb to infectious diseases.


O fight off O fall victim to O prevent

6. Her disdain for animal cruelty led her to become an animal protection officer.
O hate O love O indifference

7. The lack of color in the room makes it very boring and plain.
O extra O excess O absence

8. The annual family reunion is held each year on Independence Day.


O yearly O boring O customary

9. The firefighters used a tall ladder to descent from the roof of the building.
O rise O go up O lower

10. If asked to keep a secret, you must not disclose the information to anyone.
O tell O withhold O conceal
Context Clues - Use them to help you figure out the meaning of a word.

Directions: Read each sentence. Use the context clues to help figure out the meaning
of the underlined word. Fill in the circle for the correct answer.

1. The serviceman demonstrated how to check the oil in the truck.


O conceal O show O confuse

2. It is apparent that the plants need watering because of their droopy leaves.
O clear O unclear O unlikely

3. Wild animals use their instincts and hunting skills to survive in the wild.
O play O live O appear

4. Running or biking is a great way to exert the energy needed to lose weight.
O put forth O withhold O enclose

5. The swarm of bees were too numerous to count.


O few O small O many

6. When someone asks a question, your remark should always be polite.


O comment O silence O opinion

7. Since you only have one minute to reply, please keep your answers brief.
O long O wordy O short

8. When left unattended, a campfire can quickly ignite the surrounding trees.
O set fire O extinguish O conceal

9. The constant dripping of the faucet is very annoying.


O changeable O nonstop O infrequent

10. The new and improved waffles are superior to the others.
O inferior O worse O better

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