Context Clues: Student Handout

Target Goal: I can define unknown words using context clues

What does it mean to define words using context?

Take the word apart:

Remember the prefix con means “with” and if you add the root text – the term context literally means within the text.

Thus, context is the hints or clues that surround the word in the sentence or surrounding sentences that may help define the unknown word.

There are seven types of context clues.

• Definition

• Synonym

• Antonym

• Comparison/Contrast

• Example

• Summary

• Cause and Effect

Definition:

The author provides a direct definition of an unknown word in a sentence.

All context clue types have words that signal the type of context clue. There are called signal or “flag” words. For definition context clues the signal words are: is, are, means, and refers to

Example: Dr. Smith is an optometrist, a doctor who sees patients regarding eye health.

The underlined portion directly defines who an optometrist is.

The signal word in this sentence: is

Synonym:

The author uses a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or other words in a sentence.

Signal words: also, as, identical, like, likewise, resembling, same, similar, too

Example: Hurricane Katrina caused catastrophic damages to New Orleans much like Hurricane Ike caused ruinous conditions in Texas. The underlined word “ruinous” is a synonym for catastrophic.

The signal words are: much like

Antonym:

The author uses another word or phrase that means the opposite of an unfamiliar word.

Signal words: but, however, in contrast, instead of, on the other hand, though, unlike

Example: I abhor math, but I adore reading.

The underlined word “adore” is an antonym for abhor.

The signal word: but

Comparison and Contrast:

In comparison clues, the writer uses similar words or phrases to the unfamiliar word, In contrast clues, the writer uses opposite words or phrases to the unfamiliar term.

Signal words: although, conversely, different from, however, in contrast, more than , similarly, to compare

Example:

I enjoy biking and hiking, however, I loathe running.

The underlined word “enjoy” is a contrast to the bolded word loathe.

The signal word: however

Example:

The writer provides words that are examples of an unfamiliar word.

Signal words: for example, for instance, including, like, such as, that is, specifically, to illustrate

In class we are learning about the judicial system including, the judge, the plaintiff, the defendant and the jury.

The underlined portion of the sentence provides different examples of the judicial system.

The signal word: including

Summary:

Words in a sentence provide a summary of what the unknown word means

Signal words: Most often there is no signal word since the summary is provided in the sentences that are before or after the word. Brian is a conscientious student. He always does all of his homework in a detailed and careful manner. He listens well in class and is sure to participate when the teacher asks the class a question.

The underlined portion of the text provides a short summary of actions and qualities of a conscientious student.

Cause and Effect:

The cause of the sentence is stated in unknown words, but the effect is stated in known words. OR - The effect of the sentence is stated in unknown words, but the cause is stated in known words.

Signal words: since, because, as a result, accordingly, consequently, for this reason, hence, due to

Since no one came to the first staff meeting, attendance to the second one is mandatory for all staff.

The signal word: since

Practice #1:

Answer the questions following each sentence.

The hapless flounder was caught in a net, hung on a hook, and later fried in a pan.

What are the context clues that could help you define hapless in the sentence if this was an unfamiliar word to you? What type of context clue is this?

Because Casey was frugal with purchases, she usually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the end of the week.

What are the context clues that could help you define frugal in the sentence if this was an unfamiliar word to you? What type of context clue is this?

If Logan would have enunciated his words, instead of mumbling during his speech, his grade would have been better.

What are the context clues that could help you define frugal in the sentence if this was an unfamiliar word to you? What type of context clue is this? Practice #2:

By working individually or in pairs, create your own sentences for the list of words. You can only use a type of context clue once and then must move on to the other types.

Interloper – one who moves in where he or she is not wanted; an intruder

Aplomb – poise, great self-confidence

Intrinsic – belonging to something or someone naturally, inherently, organically

Lassitude – weariness of mind or body

Bombastic – pompous or overblown language

Callow – without experience, immature, not fully developed

Practice #3: The End Goal

Using context clues, choose the best definition for the bolded word. Try these on your own.

1. With dramatic gestures, our fans exhorted the team to play harder.

a. Discouraged

b. Trespassed

c. Urged

d. Prayed

2. A hot bowl of soup can ameliorate the discomforts of even the coldest day.

a. Improve

b. Worsen

c. Experience

d. Warm

3. You may ascribe these holes on gophers, but I blame the dog next store.

a. To write

b. To credit

c. To have an intense dislike

d. To give a result