Context Clues

Pages 692-697

Context

The CONTEXT of a word is the other words and the ideas that is connected with. For instance, the rest of the sentence in which a word appears is part of its context.

Using Context Clues1. Read the sentence, concentrating on the

unknown word.2. Look for clues in the surrounding words.3. Guess the possible meaning of the new

word.4. Substitute your meaning for the word. If

the sentence does not make sense, try another guess.

5. Check the word’s meaning in the dictionary.

6. Add it to your notebook.

Figurative Language

Language that is not meant to be taken literally Example: “The leaves pirouette in the

wind.” You might know the literal definition:

dance movement on one toe. The context of this sentence shows that

personification was used to show a leaf doing a human characteristic.

Idioms

Expression used with a special meaning, one different from what the words literally mean. Example: “Easy as pie” This idiom means “extremely easy” Many times an idiom is used in a specific

region, therefore you need to use context clues to understand it’s meaning.

Exercise 1 page 692 With a partner and white board, answer

the five questions on context clues.

1. Encouraged and supported artists2. Rare opportunity3. Filled the woods with color4. Outraged child5. Natural fabrics

“Possible Sentences”

You can experiment with unfamiliar words by using this strategy. This method increases your vocabulary and your understanding of words in context.

STEPS FOR USING POSSIBLE SENTENCES:

1. Find an unfamiliar word in your reading, and use context clues to figure out its meaning.

2. Write a sentence for the unfamiliar word in your vocabulary notebook.

3. Check the actual meaning of the word in a dictionary.

4. Evaluate your sentence to see whether you have the word correctly.

5. Revise your sentence to make it correct.

Homework Due Tomorrow

In your Science or History book you will find FOUR unknown words in Chapter 1.

Write each word on a note card. Define the word using context clues

(words within the sentence or paragraph).

Dictionary

To find the exact pronunciation and meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.

Other Reference Aids

Thesaurus: synonyms and sometimes antonyms

Glossary: list of terms and definitions specific to a field of study.

dictionary.com thesaurus.com

How do I use a dictionary?

Become familiar with the classroom dictionaries by completing a dictionary scavenger hunt with your partner.

Follow the directions on the worksheets and have fun.

Practice Using Context Clues

Copy the following sentences in your journal. Write a definition or synonym for each underlined word. Circle the clues in the text that helped you guess the meaning of the word.

1. The sick man drank the elixir (medication) and almost instantly became better!

2. The wolf hid in the grotto in the side of the hill. None of the hunters saw it as they walked passed the entrance.

3. The small boy leaned over the railing of the viaduct looking at the water rushing below.

4. Mom drained the spaghetti in the colander or strainer before adding the sauce.

5. Some crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobsters, can be eaten.

6. The judge’s verdict---decision--was anxiously awaited by everyone in the courtroom.

7. The new annex to the school housed a swimming pool and an immense gym.

8. The orator walked onto the stage, placed his notes on the podium, and adjusted the microphone as he looked at the audience.

9. The boys meandered along the riverbank all afternoon, enjoying the first day of summer vacation.

10. Sam did such a laudable job of fixing his father’s car that his uncle hired him as a full time mechanic at his garage this summer!

Answers

1. Medicine or medication; clues are the parentheses ( ) around the synonym.

2. Cave; clues are the words side of the hill and entrance

3. Bridge; clues are the words railing, rushing water, and below.

4. Strainer; clue is the word or before a synonym.

Answers continued5. Sea creature with a hard exoskeleton; Clues are the words such as followed by examples.

6. Decision or judgement; clues are the dashes before and after the synonym.

7. An addition to a building; clues are the words new, and housed.

8. Speaker; clues are the words stage, podium, microphone, and audience.

Answers continued

9. Wander aimlessly; clues are the words along, all afternoon, enjoy.

10. Admirable; clues are hired, full time mechanic, and fixing.

His bulging eyes were caused by the overflow of the volcano.

Does bulging mean?

1. round

2. infected

3. swelling out

Joe’s birthday celebration did not end as he had expected.

Does celebration mean?

1. decorated cake

2. activities for a special event

3. to perform publicly

The knights, pawns, bishops, and other pieces were ready but he forgot the chessboard.

What is a chessboard?

1. The ends of a bed

2. gameboard used for playing chess

3. material used to build a hope chest

The dog’s foolishness got him into big trouble.

What does foolishness mean?

1. behavior that shows a lack of good sense

2. the act of drinking

3. thirsty

By Saturday morning each week the cupboards are nearly bare so mom goes to the marketplace.

What is a marketplace?

1. a place to get an oil change

2. the medical center

3. location where goods are bought and sold

Even the adults snickered at the dead Bugs Bunny cartoon.

What does snickered mean?

1. laughed in a secretive, disrespectful way

2. walked away

3. failed to pay admission

The two captives prayed that the right spice could not be found to make this stew edible.

What is a spice?

1. a large cooking instrument

2. seasoning for food, made from plants

3. cooking oil

The bunnies made a vow to their friend the farmer to feed the chicks while he was away.

What does vow mean?

1. to tell a joke

2. to lie or be untruthful

3. solemn promise or pledge