2. Context clues are words that appear in sentences
to help understand the meanings of difficult words.
Context clues are hints found within a sentence,
paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to
understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar
words. Learning the meaning of a word through its
use in a sentence or paragraph is the most
practical way to build vocabulary, since a dictionary
is not always available when a reader encounters
an unknown word.
3. 1. by definition
2. by synonym
3. by antonym
4. by comparison
5. by example
6. by explanation
7. by cause & effect
8. by list or series of clues
9. by inference
4. 1. by Definition
the unfamiliar word is defined in a
sentence
Example: A treasure hunter is a person
who searches for treasures from sunken
ships and ancient tombs to obtain
valuable relics and artifacts.
(definition: a person who searches for
treasures)
5. 2. by Synonym
a similar word is placed in the same
sentence to know the meaning of the
unfamiliar word
Example: It is common for Filipinos to feel
compassion or pity for the suffering of their
fellowmen.
(synonym: compassion -pity)
6. 3. by Antonym
an opposite word is placed in
the same sentence
Example: Among the siblings of
thin body structure, Isabel is the
only one who is portly.
(antonym: portly- thin)
7. 4. by Comparison
a similar word with the same meaning
of the unfamiliar word is placed with an
object to be compared
Example:
The stench of the garbage was like the
smell of a rotten fish.
(comparison: STENCH- rotten fish)
8. 5. by Example
samples are provided in the sentence to
understand the meaning of the unfamiliar word
Example:
In ancient times, some of our forefathers
believed in amulets, such as pearl of the
crocodile, pearl of the ax, bullet necklace, and
bag of herbs to protect them from harm.
(example: pearl of the crocodile, pearl of the ax, bullet
necklace, bag of herbs)
9. 6. by Explanation
a description is given to understand the
meaning of the unfamiliar word
Example:
Matthew had few infractions of the
house rules that he should have done as
part of his responsibilities.
(explanation: house rules that he should have done)
10. 7. by Cause-Effect
the meaning of the difficult word
depends on the cause-effect relationship of
other words as expressed in the sentence
Example:
Since only a few followed the wearing of
face mask, it was made mandatory by the
government.
(cause: only a few followed the wearing of face mask)
11. 8. by List or Series of clues
to understand the meaning of the unknown
word, it is included in a series of words given in a
sentence
Example:
After the program, the rubbish left were
souvenir programs, flyers, leaflets plastic bottles,
and food wrappings.
list: souvenir programs, flyers, leaflets, plastic bottles, food
wrappings)
12. 9. by Inference
to understand the meaning of the unknown word,
one has to make a guess based on the description
given in the sentence
Example:
When one shows belligerence, harsh words,
disruptive actions, and offensive behaviors can
be observed. (description: harsh words,
disruptive action, offensive behavior)
13. ➢ Skim the context of an unfamiliar word-words or
phrases surrounding the word that might provide clues
to its meaning.
➢ Search for explanations or descriptions, definitions,
restatements, synonyms, antonyms and examples in the
context
➢ Consider the ideas presented in the sentences
before or after an unfamiliar word or phrase.
Determine a meaning consistent with the entire
passage.
Specific Steps:
14. I am an African Child
Eku McGred
I am an African child
Born with a skin the colour of chocolate
Bright, brilliant and articulate
Strong and bold; I’m gifted
Talented enough to be the best
I am an African child
Often the target of pity
My future is not confined to charity
Give me the gift of a lifetime;
Give me a dream, a door of opportunity;
I will thrive
I am an African child.
15. 1.Colour of chocolate
__________
__________
2.Articulate
__________
__________
3.Bold
__________
__________
4.Charity
__________
__________
5.Thrive
__________
__________
I am an African Child
Eku McGred
I am an African child
Born with a skin the colour of chocolate
Bright, brilliant and articulate
Strong and bold; I’m gifted
Talented enough to be the best
I am an African child
Often the target of pity
My future is not confined to charity
Give me the gift of a lifetime;
Give me a dream, a door of opportunity;
I will thrive
I am an African child.
16. A. express ideas
fluently
B. brown
C. Bright
D. prosper
E. brave
F. donations
1.Colour of chocolate
2.Articulate
3.Bold
4.Charity
5.Thrive
A B
Editor's Notes
Even without a dictionary, you can determine the meaning of a new or unfamiliar word through the clues or hints provided by the surrounding words and as aided by your prior knowledge. In other words, how the word is used in context helps you understand it thereby getting its meaning.
Here are specific steps that you can do to build your skill in using context clues in reading :
A. Read an excerpt from the poem, “I am an African Child” by EkuMcGred.Try to look into the underlined words used in it. Pick out the words or clues that are related to each of the underlined words in the excerpt.
Pick out the words or clues that are related to each of the underlined words in the excerpt. Write your answers in the Scale Diagram.
, unlock or choose among the given choices in the box the closest meaning of the underlined words