Context CluesContext Clues

Context?Example: Tony noticed that the wallabies at the

zoo looked like kangaroos.

Example: Many people have phobias, such as fear of heights, a fear of water, or a fear of confined spaces.

Types of Context Clues

1. Definition Clues2. Synonym Clues3. Example Clues4. Contrast Clues5. Inference Clues

Example of Definition Clues

Corona refers to the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere.

Corona refers to the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere.

Example of Synonym Clues

Betsy took a break from teaching to serve in the Peace Core. Despite the hiatus, Betsy’s school was delighted to rehire her when she returned.

Betsy took a break from teaching to serve in the Peace Core. Despite the hiatus, Betsy’s school was delighted to rehire her when she returned.

Example of Example Clues

In the past month, we have had almost every type of precipitation, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

In the past month, we have had almost every type of precipitation, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Example of Contrast CluesAlthough Liz felt sad and depressed,

most of the graduates were elated.

Although Liz felt sad and depressed, most of the graduates were elated.

Example of Inference Clues

On hot, humid summer afternoons, I often feel languid.

On hot, humid summer afternoons, I often feel languid.

Try this one!

The quarterback sustained numerous injuries: a fractured wrist, two broken ribs, and a hip injury.

• Definition Clue?• Synonym Clue?• Example Clue?• Contrast Clue?• Inference Clue?

Try this one!

The quarterback sustained numerous injuries: a fractured wrist, two broken ribs, and a hip injury.

We can tell that the football player had many injuries since the author lists them. Another way to say this is “experienced” numerous injuries.

So, remember…the first thing you should do when you don’t know a word is to look at the words around it for clues to unlock the meaning!!

The Castle in the Attic

“This is the armory,” Mrs. Phillips explained as shepulled open the small door beyond. “The weaponsare kept here.” Shields, lances, and swords wereattached to the wall.

The Castle in the Attic

“That’s the wardrobe, where the clothes are kept.The two rooms over the armory and the stable aresmaller bedrooms for servants or children. You

enter them through the master chamber or throughthe door from the allure, which is the correct name

for the wall walk.

The first chapter in Hunger Games.