Context Clues
Context clues are hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word within a text. The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in the next sentence. Context clues may be found in the sentence containing the word, in the sentences before, or in the sentences after the word.
Types of Context Clues
- Synonym Clues: These clues provide a word with a similar meaning to the unfamiliar word.
- Antonym Clues: These clues provide a word with the opposite meaning of the unfamiliar word.
- Definition Clues: These clues directly provide the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
- Example Clues: These clues provide examples that help explain the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
- Inference Clues: These clues require the reader to make an inference based on the information given.
Example:
Let's look at an example to understand how context clues work:
"The young girl was ecstatic when she found out she had won the award."
In this sentence, the word "ecstatic" is unfamiliar to the reader. Using the context clues, we can infer that "ecstatic" means extremely happy or joyful, as the sentence describes the girl's reaction to winning an award.
Study Tips
Here are some tips for using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words:
- Read the entire sentence carefully to look for clues.
- Look for words or phrases that are similar or opposite in meaning to the unfamiliar word.
- Consider the overall tone and context of the passage to help determine the meaning of the word.
- Use your knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and root words to help deduce the meaning of the word.
By using these strategies, you can effectively use context clues to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words while reading.
[Context Clues] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂English Language Arts Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Context Clues
Worksheet/Answer key
Worksheet/Answer key