Name: ____________________________ Date:__________
Context Clues Power Point Guided Notes
I. What are Context Clues?
Bits of ________________ in the text that allow you to make _______________ guesses or predict what an unknown word might mean.
***Review Time*** What is it called when we make educated guesses? ____________________________________
II. Types of context clues
III. Synonym of Restatement
Word with _____________ meanings are used within the same sentence, or around the __________________ word.
Example: The teacher did not approve of his lackadaisical approach to his homework. The student’s laidback efforts in this assignment also reflected his poor grades.
o What does the word lackadaisical likely mean?
A. Ambitious B. Frightening C. Lazy D. Beautiful
How do we know our answer is correct? o The author gives us a synonym in the very next sentence to help us infer the
new word’s meaning: Lackadaisical and Laidback.
IV. Synonym Example:
In the political cartoon, what is the meaning of apathy?
Apathy likely means: A. Hatred B. The sense of belonging C. Love D. Lack of interest or care
Name: ____________________________ Date:__________
V. Anonym or Contrast:
The unfamiliar word is defined by using the word’s _______________ or ___________________ meaning.
You may see words like: whereas, ___________, as opposed to, however, in contrast to, _________, on the other hand.
Example: The children were as different as day and night. He was lively and outgoing, but she was reserved and taciturn.
o What does taciturn most likely mean?
A. Antisocial B. Boastful C. Prideful D. Humble
VI. Explanation/Definition:
The unfamiliar word is directly _________________ or _____________________ in the sentence where it appears.
Definitions are usually set off by commas (,) or dashes (-). The may also include the use of the words: as, ____, that is, in other words.
Example #1: His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, was frightening to see.
Example #2: She wanted to be a philanthropist – someone who helps charities and the less fortunate – when she grew up.
VII. Examples:
The new or unfamiliar word is cleared up by giving an ____________________. You may see the following words: for instance, _________ _____, for example. Example Practice: Look at the comic. How does it help you understand the meaning of
alternative?
Example Practice: A sleuth, such as Sherlock Holmes, can be very helpful solving crimes.
A. Senior Citizen B. Man Pilot D. Detective
Alternative means:
A. Mean B. Other
C. Reverse D. Split
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