<p> Context Clues: Student Handout</p><p>Target Goal: I can define unknown words using context clues</p><p>What does it mean to define words using context?</p><p>Take the word apart:</p><p>Remember the prefix con means “with” and if you add the root text – the term context literally means within the text.</p><p>Thus, context is the hints or clues that surround the word in the sentence or surrounding sentences that may help define the unknown word.</p><p>There are seven types of context clues.</p><p>• Definition</p><p>• Synonym</p><p>• Antonym</p><p>• Comparison/Contrast </p><p>• Example</p><p>• Summary</p><p>• Cause and Effect</p><p>Definition:</p><p>The author provides a direct definition of an unknown word in a sentence.</p><p>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</p><p>Example: Dr. Smith is an optometrist, a doctor who sees patients regarding eye health.</p><p>The underlined portion directly defines who an optometrist is.</p><p>The signal word in this sentence: is</p><p>Synonym:</p><p>The author uses a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or other words in a sentence.</p><p>Signal words: also, as, identical, like, likewise, resembling, same, similar, too</p><p>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.</p><p>The signal words are: much like</p><p>Antonym:</p><p>The author uses another word or phrase that means the opposite of an unfamiliar word.</p><p>Signal words: but, however, in contrast, instead of, on the other hand, though, unlike</p><p>Example: I abhor math, but I adore reading.</p><p>The underlined word “adore” is an antonym for abhor.</p><p>The signal word: but</p><p>Comparison and Contrast:</p><p>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.</p><p>Signal words: although, conversely, different from, however, in contrast, more than , similarly, to compare</p><p>Example: </p><p>I enjoy biking and hiking, however, I loathe running.</p><p>The underlined word “enjoy” is a contrast to the bolded word loathe.</p><p>The signal word: however</p><p>Example:</p><p>The writer provides words that are examples of an unfamiliar word. </p><p>Signal words: for example, for instance, including, like, such as, that is, specifically, to illustrate</p><p>In class we are learning about the judicial system including, the judge, the plaintiff, the defendant and the jury.</p><p>The underlined portion of the sentence provides different examples of the judicial system.</p><p>The signal word: including</p><p>Summary:</p><p>Words in a sentence provide a summary of what the unknown word means</p><p>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. </p><p>The underlined portion of the text provides a short summary of actions and qualities of a conscientious student.</p><p>Cause and Effect:</p><p>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. </p><p>Signal words: since, because, as a result, accordingly, consequently, for this reason, hence, due to</p><p>Since no one came to the first staff meeting, attendance to the second one is mandatory for all staff.</p><p>The signal word: since</p><p>Practice #1:</p><p>Answer the questions following each sentence.</p><p>The hapless flounder was caught in a net, hung on a hook, and later fried in a pan.</p><p>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?</p><p>Because Casey was frugal with purchases, she usually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the end of the week.</p><p>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?</p><p>If Logan would have enunciated his words, instead of mumbling during his speech, his grade would have been better.</p><p>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:</p><p>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.</p><p>Interloper – one who moves in where he or she is not wanted; an intruder</p><p>Aplomb – poise, great self-confidence</p><p>Intrinsic – belonging to something or someone naturally, inherently, organically</p><p>Lassitude – weariness of mind or body</p><p>Bombastic – pompous or overblown language</p><p>Callow – without experience, immature, not fully developed</p><p>Practice #3: The End Goal</p><p>Using context clues, choose the best definition for the bolded word. Try these on your own.</p><p>1. With dramatic gestures, our fans exhorted the team to play harder.</p><p> a. Discouraged</p><p> b. Trespassed</p><p> c. Urged</p><p> d. Prayed</p><p>2. A hot bowl of soup can ameliorate the discomforts of even the coldest day.</p><p> a. Improve</p><p> b. Worsen</p><p> c. Experience</p><p> d. Warm</p><p>3. You may ascribe these holes on gophers, but I blame the dog next store.</p><p> a. To write</p><p> b. To credit</p><p> c. To have an intense dislike</p><p> d. To give a result </p>