In reading and listening, a context clue is a form of information (such as a definition, synonym, antonym, or example) that appears near a word or phrase and offers direct or indirect suggestions about its meaning.
Context clues are more commonly found in nonfiction texts than in fiction, although they are sometimes found in children’s literature, often with the goal of building readers’ vocabulary. Words can have multiple meanings, so being able to infer the correct definition from context is a valuable reading comprehension skill.
Types of Context Clues
One way to learn new words is through the context of the words around them. We infer the meaning of these words from what’s going on or what has already been established in the text. Clues for deciphering a word’s meaning can be rendered in the form of anything from a subtle hint to a straight-out explanation, definition, or illustration. Context clues can also take the form of synonyms, antonyms, word-structure clues, comparisons (such as metaphors and similes), and contrasts. For example:
Synonym context clues offer words nearby with the same meaning:
- Synonym: The annual bazaar is scheduled for the last day of school. It’s always a fun festival.
- Synonym: «That charlatan!» he cried. «That absolute fake!»
Antonym context clues offer nearby words with opposite meanings.
- Antonym: «You look pretty content about it, not like you’re all bent out of shape at all,» he noted.
- Antonym: «No, no, that didn’t literally happen,» she said. «I was speaking figuratively.»
Definition context clues just spell out the meaning in a straightforward manner:
- Definition: In Britain, they call the trunk of a car the «boot.»
- Definition: «The lingerie department,» she directed the confused customer, «is where you’ll find the bras and panties.»
An explanation or illustration can also show the context of the word:
- Explanation: She looked at the random collection that had been thrown in the packing box at the last minute—from toothpaste and razors to spatulas and sticky notes. «Well, that’s quite a melange, isn’t it?» she remarked.
- Explanation: «No, no, that’s just a crane fly, not a gigantic mosquito,» he explained.
Word-structure clues are understood in two ways: a reader or listener understands a base word and a prefix (or suffix) and infers the meaning from the combination of the two, or the reader knows a word origin and upon hearing a word of similar origin, infers its meaning.
For instance, if you know that «anti-» means against, it’s easy to infer the meaning of the word «anti-establishment.»
- Word-structure: The anti-establishment protesters picketed the town hall.
Likewise, if you’re aware that a «memorial» is something in remembrance for a person who has died, you might readily intuit the meaning of the following sentence, even if you’d never previously heard the term «in memoriam.»
- Word-structure: The book was dedicated in memoriam of his father.
Comparison context clues show the meaning of a word through similarities to other items or elements, similies or metaphors:
- Comparison: He looked absolutely flummoxed, like a toddler staring down at his feet on the floor who just isn’t sure about this whole «walking» thing.
- Comparison: «No,» she said, «I’m as carefree about it as a bird floating among the clouds.»
Contrast context clues show meaning through dissimilar elements:
- Contrast: «It isn’t exactly the melee that I expected from your description,» he said. «The kids are just roughhousing a little. I expected them to be bruised and bleeding.»
- Contrast: I know she said she could reconstitute the dried fruit, but a soggy raisin just isn’t a grape.
Limitations of Context Clues
In «The Vocabulary Book: Learning and Instruction,» author Michael Graves writes:
«All in all, the descriptive research on learning from context shows that context can produce learning of word meanings and that although the probability of learning a word from a single occurrence is low, the probability of learning a word from context increases substantially with additional occurrences of the word. That is how we typically learn from context. We learn a little from the first encounter with a word and then more and more about a word’s meaning as we meet it in new and different contexts.»
Learning new words from context alone does have its limitations, as this method is not always definitive. Often, context may give a reader a general idea of a word, but not a full meaning. If the sentences in which an unknown word appears don’t clearly spell out it’s meaning, that meaning may be lost. For long-term retention, readers need to see a word multiple times. The more often an inferred definition is included, the more likely the reader will retain and understand a new word.
Sources
- Graves, Michael F. «The Vocabulary Book: Learning and Instruction.» Teachers College Press, 2006
Context clues — это подсказки, которые располагаются в предложении, абзаце, и помогают читателю понять значение новых, незнакомых или сложных, редко употребляемых, слов.
Очень часто их можно встретить в текстах для подготовки к тестам и экзаменам, которые проверяют способность понимать общий смысл, без вникания в детали и значение каждого слова. В экзаменационных текстах TOEFL, IELTS, B1 First, Cambridge Advanced, очень многие вопросы построены на умении расшифровывать context clues.
Этот полезнейший навык пригодится не только на экзаменах, а также при чтении статей, академических и художественных текстов. Поэтому каждый, кто изучает иностранный язык, должен уметь распознавать и считывать context clues.
В этой статье я расскажу, какие типы context clues бывают, мы с вами рассмотрим каждый из них на примерах, и, уже после изучения этого материала, вы сможете различать context clues в текстах и догадываться о значении новых слов из контекста не просто интуитивно, а четко понимая, какой тип context clues перед вами, и как он работает.
Содержание:
- Что такое «контекстуальные сигналы»
- Type 1: Restatement/Synonym Clues
- Type 2: Contrast/Antonym Clues
- Type 3: Definition Clues
- Type 4: Example/Explanation clues
- Type 5: Inference/General Context Clues
- Пунктуация в context clues
- Способы запоминания типов context clues
Чтобы научиться считывать context clues, нужно научиться расшифровывать то, что я называю «сигналы». Это не общепринятый термин, я использую его со своими студентами, и так обозначаю те слова или другие средства, которые указывают нам на тот или иной тип подсказок.
Сейчас мы перейдем к разбору каждого из пяти типов, и в каждом мы будем выделять их особые «сигналы».
Самый простой способ донести значение незнакомого сложного слова в контексте — упростить его или переформулировать. У каждого слова высокого уровня есть более простые слова-синонимы, или слова со схожим значением. Синонимы могут выделяться запятыми, обозначаться при помощи слова or, или приводиться в качестве примеров-однородных членов предложения, которые наведут вас на понимание значения нужного слова.
He felt remorse, or shame, for his rude behaviour.
В данном примере слово remorse схоже по значению по словом shame (стыд). К тому же после автор дает еще одну подсказку (которая относится уже к другому типу, но все равно помогает понять суть), что это чувство возникло в результате грубого поведения.
The weather was dreadful — wet, dull and cold and awful in all senses.
Если вам не знакомо прилагательное dreadful, то его значение прояснится при помощи синонима awful и ряда примеров, указывающих на характеристики погоды.
We must not perpetuate, or continue, the religious divisions of the past.
Чтобы помочь понять значение глагола perpetuate, в предложение вводится пояснение с сигнальным словом or, благодаря чему мы с вами понимаем, что perpetuate можно заменить более простым словом continue.
Иногда значение слова или фразы проясняется в контексте через противоположные значения. В этом случае слова but, however, unlike, while, и другие, выражающие контраст, подскажут вам, что это именно antonym context clue. Возможен вариант, когда автор вводит слово, выражение, или пояснение, противоположное по значению, которое проясняет для читателя значение незнакомого слова.
He had a turbulent character, unlike his wife who was shy and quiet.
Благодаря сигнальному unlike, мы понимаем, что слово turbulent противопоставляется словам shy and quiet, и выступает их антонимом.
I want to go to a tranquil place for my holiday; I am so tired of the noisy city.
В этом предложении нет сигнального слова, но по смыслу вы понимаете, что если автор от чего-то устал (в данном контексте от noisy city), то ему хочется чего-то противоположного.
Bob was so industrious, while his colleagues demonstrated laziness and very little interest in work.
В отличие от коллег, которые проявляют лень и незаинтересованность, Боб проявляет противоположную характеристику. И вам необязательно её называть и переводить, главное — что вы поняли смысл, и то, как работают Contrast or Antonym Clues.
Бывают случаи, когда слово или фраза объясняется сразу после того, как появляется в предложении. Definition — это целая фраза, которая вводится при помощи relative clause, как правило non-defining, который выделяется запятыми. Часто при помощи таких подсказок «расшифровывают» значения существительных и терминов, но и глаголы с прилагательными — не исключение.
Our school introduced continuous assessment, which is a form of educational examination that evaluates a student’s progress throughout a prescribed course.
После слова which поясняется, что такое continuous assessment, и дается полная расшифровка, определение термина.
After the flight we suffered from fatigue, which meant we were extremely tired as a result of physical exertion.
Definition вводится фразой which meant (это значило), и мы можем понять, что слово fatigue обозначает чрезмерную усталость.
The college informed me that I was eligible, so I could enter the course, which made me happy.
В этом предложении даётся не полное определение, а его часть, и читателю нужно додумать, что eligible обозначает то, что абитуриент может поступить на курс. А слово which, которое служило сигналом в предыдущих примерах, не имеет здесь своей сигнальной функции и не относится к этому типу подсказки.
Этот способ контекстуальной подсказки предполагает мышление от частного к общему (если общее — это незнакомое слово) или от общего к частному. Иногда текст даёт два или больше примеров, которые иллюстрируют неизвестное понятие, и чтобы догадаться, что оно обозначает, нужно уметь систематизировать и обобщать информацию. Отличие этого способа от синонимов в том, что пример не может заменить собой целевое слово, а представляет из себя более узкое понятие в категории, один из вариантов.
Сигналами могут служить однородные члены предложения — примеры, которые помогают вам понять значение незнакомого слова.
Nocturnal creatures such as owls and bats always scare me.
Что общего у сов и летучих мышей? Это существа, которые активны ночью. Вот так, при помощи анализа примеров, мы можем догадаться о значении слова nocturnal.
Sun, moon, stars and other celestial bodies move according to certain laws.
В этом предложении используется та же логика, что и в предыдущем: мы делаем вывод на основе систематизации и нахождения общего. Солнце, луна, звезды — это небесные тела.
Это более продвинутый вид контекстуальных подсказок, потому что он предполагает, что читатель сможет заключить и сделать вывод о значении незнакомого слова по общему смыслу, примерам, которые присутствуют в предложении, в абзаце или в целом тексте.
Это более сложный вариант, когда нужно включать логику, и именно поэтому его так любят составители тестов. Например, в части Reading на TOEFL iBT есть отдельный тип вопросов, который проверяет именно умение делать выводы из более широкого, общего контекста.
Сигналами здесь будут служить слова, указывающие на причину, цель либо на результат: so, because, that’s why и другие.
He is so gregarious; he would talk non-stop, about anything. Yesterday we got tired of it.
По контексту понятно, что человек много говорит, и утомляет этим собеседников. Из этого можно сделать вывод (infer) о значении слова gregarious.
The day was so sweltering that I had to take off my jacket.
Если человек снял пиджак (а не надел), значит sweltering обозначает что-то вроде hot — такая логика должна быть при анализе этого предложения.
She is very compassionate, because she volunteers for some NGOs, you can always ask her for help and she will eagerly give you a hand.
Значение прилагательного compassionate раскрывается в пояснениях после слова because: человек готов помочь, занимается волонтерством, и, даже если вы не можете отыскать точного перевода слова, вы уже понимаете, что оно обозначает.
Обратите внимание, что часто авторы используют пунктуацию или другие приемы выделения на письме, чтобы обозначить context clues разных типов:
- кавычки (quotation marks) могут показывать, что у слово есть специальное, возможно, переносное значение;
- скобки (brackets) и дефисы (dashes) заключают определение или примеры;
- курсив (italics) чтобы выделить какое-либо слово или определение.
И еще хочу обратить ваше внимание, что в предложении могут сочетаться context clues разных типов. Например, synonym + example или antonym + definition. Вариации могут быть любые, ведь авторы используют разные средства в текстах.
Мы рассмотрели 5 типов context clues, и в объяснении я расположила их от простого к сложному. Но сейчас, когда вы усвоили разницу между ними, хочу напоследок поделиться полезным приемом для их запоминания.
Чтобы в любой момент вы могли вспомнить, какие типы контекстуальных подсказок бывают, запомните акроним LEADS:
- L (Logic) — Inference Clues — вы опираетесь на общий контекст и догадываетесь о смысле слова.
- E (Example) — Example Clues — однородные члены предложения подсказывают вам, что обозначает незнакомое, обобщающее их слово.
- A (Antonyms) — Contrast Clues — вы понимаете значение слова, за счет анализа антонимов.
- D (Definition) — Definition Clues — в предложении приводится определение слова.
- S (Synonyms) — Restatement Clues — незнакомое слово перефразируется и упрощается за счет знакомых вам слов-синонимов.
Теперь, читая тексты при подготовке к экзамену, для работы или просто для удовольствия, вы будете без труда распознавать contect clues разных типов, догадываться о значениях незнакомых слов по контексту, без словаря.
А отработать ваши новые знания и умения на практике можно на персональных занятиях в ENGINFORM. Теперь у нас действует не только предложение курсов, но и новая уникальная услуга — МОНО-УРОК.
Это индивидуальное занятие длительностью 90 минут, на котором вы от и до разбираете нужную вам тему. Узнайте больше о формате моно-урока и попробуйте! Теперь не нужно покупать целый курс, чтобы разобраться с одной непонятной темой.
Надеюсь, сегодняшнее объяснение вам понравилось.
Напишите мне в комментариях, насколько эта статья была полезна для вас, и получается ли у вас находить context clues в текстах.
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Published August 15, 2022
When you come across an unfamiliar word while reading, how do you try to understand its meaning? Chances are you use context clues—even if you’ve never heard of that term.
Faced with a sea of unfamiliar words, beginning readers learn many techniques for decoding words and expanding their vocabularies. Teachers use the term decoding to refer to the ability to see a written word and read it aloud.
Looking for context clues is one technique that is helpful for readers of all ages and experience levels. But how can you identify a context clue?
What are context clues?
The term context clues is used as a way of referring to the bits of information within a text that can serve as hints to help a reader understand the meaning of an unfamiliar or unusual word or passage. In effect, context clues can be anything that helps you to figure out or guess the meaning of a word or passage when you’re unsure of its meaning. Context clues can be part of the same sentence or they may be part of the text that comes before or follows. Because most of our vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that we are able to recognize and take advantage of context clues.
WATCH: Words Bookworms Mispronounce Because We Read Them First
What does a context clue look like?
There are at least four kinds of context clues that are quite common:
- Synonym (or repeat context clue): An author will use more than one word that means the same thing. For example, there may be a complex word followed by a restatement using a simpler word in the same or following sentence: Felipe is a miser. He’s always been a cheapskate.
- Antonym (or contrast context clue): The text may include a word or words that have the opposite meaning, which can reveal the meaning of an unknown term: Stella has always dressed flamboyantly. I’ve never seen her wear a dull color.
- Explanation (or a definition context clue): An unknown word is explained within the sentence or in the sentence immediately after: On Friday, we visited the arboretum, a garden dedicated to the exhibition of trees and plants.
- Specific example (or an example context clue): The text provides one or more examples used to define the term: The children were able to observe several crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
There may also be word-part context clues in which a common prefix, suffix, or root will suggest at least part of the meaning of a word.
A general sense context clue lets the reader puzzle out a word meaning from whatever information is available—and this is the most common kind of context clue. The relationships between words are not directly obvious and instead implied.
Others describe context clues in three ways:
- semantic or meaning clues: For example, when reading a story about cats, the reader will have the expectation that it will contain words associated with cats.
- syntactic or word order clues: The order of the words in a sentence can indicate what part of speech a missing word must be (for example, a verb).
- picture clues: From an early age, beginning readers are taught to look at illustrations to help with the identification of a word.
Context clues are integral to how we make sense of things. But what are context clues? And why are context clues important? We’re going to break down context clues in sentences and situations so that you can see why they’re such an important element of empiricism; or how we come to know the world through senses. Hah! That’s an example of “context clues” in action. Follow along as we break down strategies for how they work.
Context Clues Meaning
First, let’s define context clues
How do we make sense of the world? Through intuition certainly, but through context as well. Context is how we know books can be found in libraries and cold cuts can be found in delis. It’s also how we know words can be understood, even if we lack their definition. This video breaks down how context clues are used to deduce syntax.
What are Context Clues? • Using Context Clues to Figure Out New Words by Khan Academy
Context clues are essential tools for writers, readers, and pretty much anybody interested in making sense of the world. But before we jump into some context clues examples, let’s first define context clues.
What are context clues?
Context clues are elements of grammatical and visual composition that suggest meaning. In syntax, context clues give readers the ability to make sense of words of which they don’t know the meaning. In semiotics, context clues give people the ability to make sense of signs of which they don’t know the meaning.
Purpose of Context Clues:
- Suggest meaning
- Conceal meaning
- Explain meaning
Context Clues Types
What are context clues in grammar?
There are a bunch of different strategies for using context clues in grammar; let’s break down a few!
Synonym
A synonym is a word or phrase that means something similar to another word or phrase. For example, “sick” and “ill” are synonyms. But how do you use context clues in a sentence? Synonyms are also used as context clues to suggest meaning in words that aren’t often understood.
Here are some examples:
-
She was a callous woman: mean, malicious, and inconsiderate.
-
It was mezzanotte – the clock struck the signal to midnight.
-
He was cantankerous: angry and always looking for a fight.
You may be wondering, “why don’t writers just use words that most people understand?” Good question. There’s certainly merit to writing in simple language – but writers want to flex their linguistic muscle.
Antonym
An antonym is a word or phrase that means the opposite of another word or phrase. For example, “sick” and “healthy” are antonyms.
Antonyms, like synonyms, are also used as context clues to suggest meaning in words that aren’t often understood.
Here are some examples:
-
It was a brutish afternoon, quite unlike the sunny ones the week prior.
-
He found the latter lecture esoteric – but the former too simplistic; something anybody could understand.
-
The scene was bedlam, ironic considering it was supposed to be quiet and serene.
Antonyms tend to flow better than synonyms in syntax because they rely on contrast.
Denotation
A denotation is a “dictionary definition.” For example, a denotation of “hat” would be a “clothing item worn on the head.”
Denotations are used as context clues to outwardly explain what certain words mean.
Here are a few examples:
-
He had already signed an affidavit, a legal written statement for use in court.
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It was accidental, as in “not done on purpose.”
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The story was salacious, showing a special interest in sex.
Denotations work best when writers would rather tell the writer what a word means rather than suggesting it.
Context Clues Definition in Visual Language
What are context clues in semiotics?
Context clues are used in semiotics to give meaning to the visual world. But what is semiotics? Semiotics is the study of objects and signs. It’s essentially what tells us that a four-leaf clover means “good luck.” However, semiotics is often built through context clues.
Here are some examples:
Context clues lead to a conclusion
In life, sometimes things are exactly what you’d expect. For example, say you leave your rambunctious dog home alone for six hours, then find a ripped-up pillow when you return; it’s fair to say that the dog probably destroyed the pillow.
The context clues, i.e., the “rambunctious” nature of the dog and the implied fact that dogs sometimes rip pillows apart when, tell us that the most likely reason for the event is that the dog destroyed the pillow.
This type of critical reasoning is abductive because it “takes away” the most likely reason for an event based on a series of observations.
Consequently, deductive reasoning is a form of critical reasoning in which a reason must be guaranteed by the set of observations. For example: if a hat is a clothing item worn on a head, and you’re wearing a clothing item on your head, then you’re wearing a hat. The context clues, i.e., the denotation of “hat” and the fact that you’re wearing something that matches the denotation of “hat,” guarantee the validity.
This strategy is used in writing… most commonly in mystery stories. Think about any “whodunnit” story; i.e., Sherlock Holmes, Murder on the Orient Express, Scooby Doo, etc.
In this clip from Murder on the Orient Express, Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney), outlines the context clues that add up to an iconic deduction.
What Does Context Clues Mean? • Context Clues in Murder on the Orient Express
It is merely through context clues, such as the language that Mary Debenham (Vanessa Redgrave) used and the selective memory of Colonel Arburthnott (Sean Connery), that Poirot was able to tell that everybody was lying.
Context clues lead to a false-conclusion
Other times, context clues lead to a false-conclusion. They may be valid as premises in a deduction; but they don’t necessarily reflect the truth. We see this strategy used a lot in comedy writing.
This scene from Seinfeld establishes a series of context clues that point to Kramer (Michael Richards) being a pimp. Of course, he’s not – but the characters in the diegesis don’t know that. Check it out below!
Context Clues Definition in TV • Context Clues Examples in Seinfeld
Let’s break down the context clues:
1) The jacket is a replica of the “technicolor dreamcoat” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; one of Kramer’s favorite plays.
2) The cane is an item Elaine was reviewing for work; which Kramer took.
3) The hat merely landed before Kramer’s feet, so he decided to put it on.
4) The sports car is borrowed as collateral because Kramer’s car was taken from a parking lot used for prostitution.
All of these context clues point to Kramer being a pimp. In a cruel twist of irony, Kramer is whisked, or quickly taken away, to jail.
Up Next
What is Inductive Reasoning?
Context clues are a small, but integral part of critical reasoning. Want to learn more about critical reasoning? Check out our next article on inductive reasoning, where we break down the term with examples from Plato, Monty Python, and more. By the end, you’ll know what inductive reasoning is and how to use it.
Up Next: Inductive Reasoning →
Context Clues -Meaning and examples
Introduction
Writers have ways of giving interpretations and meanings to the complex or difficult word. But some reader might not be able to decode these meanings. It is therefore pertinent to look at the various ways which writers enclose meaning in sentences. This is what leads us to context clues.
What is Context Clue?
Thesaurus defines context clue as hints found in a sentence, paragraph, or passage that aids the reader to understand the meaning of new words. The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers or it may follow in the next sentence.
Because most of our vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that we are able to recognize and take advantage of context clues.
Types of Context Clue and their examples:
There are four types of context clue namely Example context clue, Synonym context clue, Antonym context clue and General Sense context clue.
1. Synonym context clue: It performs the function of a synonym ( I.e words that are nearest in meaning). The first sentence is followed by a simpler one.
(a) I was flabbergasted at his response. It was a great surprise.
(b) The teacher arranged her pupil’s name alphabetically, she starts from letter A to Z.
(c) The boy is very clever. He is so brilliant.
(d) The woman complained that her daughter was too sluggish or lazy in everything she does.
(e) It is good to be optimistic or positive about certain issues.
2. Antonym context clue: This is the used of words that are opposite in meaning. The antonym helps the reader to know the intended meaning.
(a) My sister is a giant while my brother is a dwarf.
(b) Musa has been very hardworking, unlike his lazy and idle brother.
(c) The Super Eagle’s of Nigeria felt victorious. They knew they won’t lose.
(d) In the past, giving birth to twin was a taboo. The act was forbidden.
(e) Mercy love natural hair and dislikes artificial or relaxed hair.
Example Context clue: This is the use of examples to throw more light on what the writer means.
(a) Children should be encouraged to eat protein enriched food like beans, egg, meat, and milk to prevent poor growth.
(b) Carbohydrate foods like rice, bread, potato and yam supplies energy to the body.
(c) Most people in the Northern part of Nigeria like Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto are farmers.
(d) Every student should be able to write essays like descriptive, narrative, expository essay.
(e) Books, Pens, Pencils, Erasers, Sharpeners, Rulers are stationeries.
(f) Uniform men like police, army, navy have sacrificed a lot for the security of the country.
Explanation or Definition of context clue: This is defining of difficult words in a sentence. It can come after the word or within the sentence.
(a) The fire outbreak incidence throw the entire community into chaos, a situation in which everything is happening in a confused way.
(b) I received three bouquets on my last birthday. There were a bunch of beautiful flowers.
(c) The State Governor ordered that all illegal kiosks should be demolished (completely destroyed) within twenty-four hours.
(d) The young manager was too bossy, he was telling everybody what to do in a commanding and annoying way.
(e) Some languages have gone into extinction because their speakers have abandoned it.: they have died.
Other examples are semantic context clue, syntactic context clue and picture context clue. Picture context clue is the use of pictures by the writer to convey his or her intended meaning. This example of context clue is mostly seen in children’s book. The use of pictures will trigger their interest to read.
Semantic context clue has to do with words associated with a particular subject matter. It is the duty of the reader to identify the subject matter and watch out for words that relate to it. Failure to do so will lead to reading without comprehension.
For example, when reading an article about the coronavirus pandemic, good readers develop the expectation that it will contain words related to the topic such as contact tracing, sanitiser, face mask, hand washing, social distancing, breathing difficulty, cough, catarrh, first and second wave.
Conclusion
The writer has made various means which a reader can use to understand a story, an article, and books. Therefore, it is the duty of readers to be conversant with the types and examples of context clue for easy comprehension.
In this set of tutorial for beginners, learners will be knowledgeable about “Context Clues”. What is “Context Clues” all about?. What are the uses of “Context Clues”. How “Context Clues” use to find the meaning of new words?.
The purpose of the lesson is to increase students’ comprehension and teach them to figure out unfamiliar words using Context Clues. Cut down on questions for teacher and the use of dictionaries to find word meaning.
I. Objectives: At the end of the lesson the students would be able to;
1. Identify context clues, i.e. synonyms, antonyms, restatements, definitions, examples
2. Tell the meaning of context clues
3. Use context clues to find the meanings of new words
II. Subject Matter: Context Clues
Materials: Activity Sheets
III. Procedure/ Activities
A. Pre Activity/ Warm up
1. Drill
Definition Synonym Explanation
Antonym Example
B. Lesson Proper
1. Motivation
Say to the class: I want you to be word detectives. As word detectives you may not have a case.
2. Presentation
Today you will be working on context clues. There is a way for word detectives to find the meaning of new words by themselves.
the meaning of new words by themselves.
3. Discussion
On the board write “context clues”
Explain that context clues are words that come before or after the new word and that there are several different kinds of context clues, saying them and reviewing their meanings as you write on the board.
1. definition- using statement of the meaning of a word
2. synonym – a word or phrase that means the same as another
3. antonym – a word opposite in meaning to another
4. example – by using illustration, a thing or characteristic of its kind
5. explanation- statement or circumstance that explains something
Write these sentences on the board, underlining the unfamiliar words. Do not write the answers in the parenthesis.
1. The puppy, which is a baby dog, feed out of his mother’s breast. (Definition)
2. The beach was covered with debris like paper and cans, and the children picked up all the trash. (Synonym)
3. The ancient dress looked like new after she washed it. (Antonym)
4. Every day he brought a delectable, delicious, wonderful, yummy lunch to school. (Example)
5. My mother used to pull across the bay to catch flounder. Pull is a word that is sometimes used to mean row. (Explanation)
Ask students to identify the meaning of each new word and tell which kind of context clue was used to unlock the word’s meaning. Write the correct answers after each sentence.
Expand your discussion using the graphic organizer below.
Context Clues
4. Generalization
What is a context clue?
– Context clues are hints that help readers discover the meaning of unfamiliar words.
What are the different kinds of context clues?
– The different kinds of context clues are:
1. definition
2. synonym
3. explanation
4. antonym
5. example
Let the whole class read and then in groups and then some selected students.
5. Practice Exercises/ Group Activity
(Please refer to group activity sheets)
VI. Evaluation:
Read and identify the kind of context clues used in each sentence and write your answer on the space provided for.
__________1. Zack was a good at many sports. He exalted in swimming, running, horsemanship, fencing and target shooting. He decided to compete in the pentathlon rather than having to choose one of the events.
Using the example clue, the word pentathlon in this sentence means
a. competition with two events c. competition with ten events
b. competition with eight events d. competition with five events
____________2. The voters were so upset about the outcome of the election that a skirmish broke out and the police had to break it up.
Using the explanation clue, the word skirmish in this sentence means
a. fight c. hurricane
b. sunshine d. creature
____________3. The man was sent to the penitentiary, or prison, for stealing cars.
Using the synonym clue, the word penitentiary in this sentence means
a. paradise c. prison
b. hotel d. heaven
___________4. Although Mary was willing to play in the snow, Jack was reluctant because he was so cold.
Using the antonym clue, the word reluctant in this sentence means
A. ready C. not willing
B. willing D. excited
V. Assignment
For each sentence, write three words that could be used to complete the sentence.
1. My dress is ____. It is my favorite color.
______________ _____________ ______________
2. I take a nap at ____. It is the best time of day for a nap.
______________ _____________ ______________
5. Mom and I waited a long time in the doctor’s waiting room. After a bit, we sat and read a ____.
______________ _____________ ______________
VI. Remediation/ Enrichment
For slow learners you can review them on the kind of context clue they find difficult and give example and then give simple exercises for them to work on.
VII. Reinforcement
For the higher functional students you can give this exercise for them to figure out.
Write the meaning and give another word to complete.
Although we could hear the crickets chirping, the night was serene. Camping has always been one of our family’s favorite events. We love to be outdoors enjoying nature. If you’ve never tried camping before, you should try it. You just might like it.
1. What does the word serene mean?
_________________________________________________________
2. What is another word that means the same thing as serene?
__________________________________________________________
Adam decided to try out for the talent show at school. He practiced his stand-up comedy routine for hours each evening. At the tryouts, he followed a boy whose banal jokes left the judges yawning. Adam’s hilarious routine landed him the part.
3. What does the word banal mean?
___________________________________________________________
4. What is another word that means the same thing as banal?
___________________________________________________________
Practice Exercises/ Group activity
Group Activity Sheets
Group Activity 1
Context Clues: Explanations
Read and write the letter of the correct answer on the space provided for each number.
____1. Katie appeared infallible in math class because she had never gotten a problem wrong.
Using the explanation clue, the word infallible in this sentence means
a. never wrong c. wrong
c. mistaken d. incorrect
____2. The tornado annihilated the whole town to the point that nothing was left standing
Using the explanation clue, the word annihilated in this sentence means
a. destroyed c. created
b. saved d. constructed
____3. We could tell by the rotten smell, that something putrid was in our trash can.
Using the explanation clue, the word putrid in this sentence means
a. ample c. rotten
b. alive d. appealing
____4. Phyllis felt elated when she won the race.
Using the explanation clue, the word elated in this sentence means
a. sick c. tired
b. miserable d. happy
____5. The insidious burglar was able to sneak into the house without being heard or seen.
Using the explanation clue, the word insidious in this sentence means
a. strong c. clumsy
b. loud d. sneaky
Group Activity 2
Write the meaning and give another word.
Complete.
1. As I walked past several rows and back toward the aft part of the airplane, a sudden fear came over me. I sat down in my seat, but the feeling wouldn’t go away. Just seconds before the flight attendant was to close the entry door, I walked off the plane. The next day, I saw in the paper that the airplane I was on had crashed into a field in Missouri.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word aft.
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ _____________________
2. It was dubious to us exactly what Mr. Wayne Wright was telling us. He would talk about the need for more computers, but then say that we had too many computers. I’m not exactly sure what we need, but I don’t think he is either.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word dubious.
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ ______________________
3. Keith and his friend were watching a dramatic movie. In the film, the bad guy was trying to obliterate the world. Then there would be no Earth left. It was a good thing the police caught him and saved the world.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word obliterate.
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ ______________________
4. Mom and Dad were trying to decide how to update the family room. They couldn’t agree on most things like what furniture to buy. Finally, after many discussions, they at least agreed on what hue they wanted the walls to be painted.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word hue
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ ______________________
Group Activity 3
Read and write the letter of the correct answer on the space provided for each number.
Context Clues: Antonyms
____1. Although Tom was anxious about the test, Tina was not worried at all.
Using the antonym clue, the word anxious in this sentence means
A. forgetful C. worried
B. calm D. not worried
____2. Two new girls started school this week. Beth has a gregarious personality. Jenna is rather quiet.
Using the antonym clue, the word gregarious in this sentence means
A. shy C. bashful
B. timid D. outgoing
____3. If you don’t conquer your fears, they will beat you.
Using the antonym clue, the word conquer in this sentence means
A. lose B. win
C. talk about D. forget
____4. While Lily was careful not to be seen as she peeked out the window, Phil was not as cautious and was seen!
____5.Using the antonym clue, the word cautious in this sentence means
A. careful B. not careful
C. risky D. trouble
5. Although the princess is familiar to those in London, she is unknown to the rest of the world.
Using the antonym clue, the word familiar in this sentence means
A. pretty C. smart
B. old D. well-known
For more readings
- ing Verbs English Lesson and Exercises – ing Forms, Spelling Rules and Grammar
- Present Simple Verb Tense | Present simple English Verb
- Modal Verb Could – Form, Use and Meaning in English
- To and Towards – Confusing English words | Vocabulary
- Conjunctions “And” “But” “Or” and “So”- English Lesson For Beginners
If you have any questions or suggestions about Context Clues Definition Examples, please feel free to leave a comment below or send us a message using our contact page.
While reading some novel or article, we sometimes come across a text or para that is quite confusing or we do not what exactly is going on.
What are Context Clues?
Context clues are basically the hints for specific content – to understand the meaning of the content that is hidden in the plain yet twisted text. Context clues can be used to explain a passage, paragraph, or individual statements.
With the help of context clues, we can essential information about the phrases or words that are used in the content. This directly or indirectly helps the reader to understand the meaning of the paragraph. Moreover, the context clues provide insights into the specific portion of the text that is generally difficult to understand. Sometimes even the title of a piece or the illustrations that come with it offers context clues, as well. These clues are really beneficial in learning the meaning of unfamiliar words in a unique way.
When You Should Use Context Clues?
We now know that context clues are very valuable tools which provide assistance in understanding the contextual writing. You can make use of context clues while reading some articles, or novels or some news clipping.
Let’s have a look at 5 different types of context clues and use them in sentences.
1. Synonym or Restatement Clues
In this type of context clue, the author is conveying the same thing twice. Initially, in a difficult way and then in a simple way. This can often happen in the same sentence itself. In case you do not understand a particular word then you just keep reading it one or more times to understand the flow of the sentence.
Sentence Example
- Miguel was very loquacious. He really loved to talk.
- The rambunctious kids ran out to the bus and climbed on board. They jumped and yelled and just couldn’t settle down.
- It was a frigid winter night; even the lake was frozen solid.
2. Antonym or Contrast Clues
In this type of context clue, the author provides the hints of the meaning of the words or paragraphs and tries to explain what it is about. Generally, the word “but” will be used in the sentence that will show the opposite thought and how it is presented.
Sentence Example:
- This painting of the landscape is picturesque, while one of the old houses is just plain ugly.
- The feral cat would not let us pet him, unlike our friendly cat.
3. Definition or Explanation Clues
This is the simplest form of context clue, where the literal meaning of the word is given to the reader but in the form of explanation. Sometimes the author will add very specific words to tell us an explanation is upcoming. These can include phrases like “which means” or “that is” or “in other words.”
Sentence Example:
- The dates are listed in chronological order; they start at the beginning and end with the last event.
- The doctor’s writing was utterly illegible; no one could read those scribbles.
4. General or Inference clues
These context clues are a bit subtle. They encourage the readers to look beyond the sentence of the content they are reading.
Sentence Example:
- Nikola Tesla was an enigmatic figure. His inventions contribute to many of the modern conveniences that we use to this day. But, he also had visions, thought that he could speak with beings on Mars, and died a pauper.
5. Punctuation or Font clues
In this type of context clues, the clues itself are hidden in the capitalization, italicization, quotation marks, and even parentheses. With these, you can understand that the clues tell the reader that the word could be a name, a book title, or even the word is being defined for us.
Sentence Example:
- Terri retained – kept – the keys to the old mansion.
- The ancient clock only rang once in a millennium (a thousand years).
we hope that this quick guide gave you a detailed overview on different types of context clues with their sentence examples.
Stay tuned to EnglishBix for more resources.
Quick Links
Word context clues are an effective way to build your vocabulary. Context is the sentence or phrase in which the word is found, and understanding the sentence’s general meaning helps to understand a word that is unfamiliar to you. Writers, unconsciously or consciously, often include context clues to the meaning of words they use but think that some of their readers may not know. The context clue is to be found in the sentence or the paragraph in which the word is used.
How to Use Word Context Clues to Build your Vocabulary
Word context clues are a very useful way for the English language learner to work out the meaning of the word. The importance of using context clues in building your vocabulary cannot be underestimated, and you can learn new words when they are used in the contexts that we describe below:
Definition context clue: sometimes, a definition appears alongside the word.
Repetition of meaning context clue: a sentence will contain the word and will be followed by another sentence saying the same thing in a simpler way. For example: ‘Joe was very dexterous and therefore the most fantastic sculptor. He was so good with his hands that every piece that he carved was detailed and perfect.’
Synonym context clue: a synonym is used to help the reader understand the meaning of a word, as it means the same as or nearly the same as the word that is unfamiliar to the English language student. ‘Mary was incredibly ambitious and it was this strong desire and determination to succeed that made her the best in her field’.
Antonym context clue: an antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word and can also provide a clue to word meaning. ‘Mary was ambitious, but Fred was lazy and therefore never excelled in his field.’
Description context clue: other groupings of words which together provide the English language learners understanding of a word can also work. Let’s look at the word ‘vivacious’ to describe Mary – we get what that means when we hear this: ‘Mary was attractive, lively and animated and her presence demanded your attention.’
Visual context clue: when you are using this context clue, you are relying on a picture, or another type of image, along with some kind of related text to help you to understand the meaning of a word. For example, a picture of an angry man and its caption will help you understand that ‘Fred Mason reacted angrily to the journalist’s questions.’
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