Using Context CluesBy Donna D. Weaver

Hazelwood Central High School

Types of Signals

Writers often help readers with new or unfamiliar words by giving clues through the use of:

• punctuation marks• special “signal” words

or• whole sentences which form a “context” that

can define words.

Punctuation Marks

Commas, dashes, and parentheses are sometimes followed by a synonym (a word that has the same meaning), a short definition, an example, or a restatement of the word to help the reader.

Commas, Dashes, and Parentheses

Examples:

•Neve, glacial snow, is common in Antarctica.

•Advertisers often take a poll---interview people---about a new product.

•The maestro (conductor) of the St. Louis Orchestra entered the concert hall.

Signal Words

These words signal a definition, example, or synonym : or, such as, for example, especially, like, that is, and in other words.

Examples:

In New Orleans, people drink a strong coffee served in demitasse or half size cups.

Pearls are found in mollusks like oysters.

Signal Words

Context of the Text

Sometimes the reader must play detective, putting together clues from the surrounding sentences and making an intelligent “guess” as to the definition of a word.

Example: The children were so fatigued from their all day hike that they could hardly eat their dinner. They dragged their bodies to the dinner table and almost fell asleep in their plates!

Context of the Text

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.