This document discusses different types of context clues that can help with guessing the meaning of unknown vocabulary:
- Text-based clues include punctuation, definition, contrast, comparison, particularization, reformulation/explanation, and synonyms/antonyms. Examples are provided for each type.
- Framework-based clues rely on surrounding context and world knowledge rather than specific words. Examples include references to categories or typical sequences of events.
- A series of example sentences demonstrate how to use context clues to infer the meaning of underlined words. Questions at the end test the reader's ability to apply context clues.
2. Guessing Vocabulary
• Context is the key. To
make correct guesses
largely depends on
paying attention to
contextual clues as
well as building an
adequate vocabulary
stock.
• We can divide basic
3. Types of text based context
clues
Text-based
Types
Text-Based
Clues
Text-Based Examples
Punctuation commas,,,
parantheses ( )
or brackets [ ]
colons :
dashes -
a) Metrology, the science of
measurements, is based on
precision.
b) A very prevalent
(widespread, common)
attitude is one of caring
only for oneself.
c) There has been a sudden
rise in the cost of utilities:
water, gas and electricity.
d) Mr. Gorbachev started
glasnost-openness in the
former Soviet Union.
4. Types of text based context
clues
Text-based
Types
Text-Based
Clues
Text-Based Examples
Definition can be
described
as means,
is called,
can be
defined as,
is, was,
are,
involves,
refers to
a) Fatigue can be generally described
as the tiredness and exhaustian
that result from muscular work.
b) Vegetarianism is the practice of
eating only vegetables.
c) Segregation refers to the setting
apart of one group from another.
d) Rationalization involves
substituting an acceptable motive
for an unacceptible one.
e) Drug abuse means becoming
dependent on drugs.
5. Types of text based context
clues
Text-based
Types
Text-Based
Clues
Text-Based Examples
Contrast However,
but, unlike,
on the
contrary, on
the other
hand, while,
whereas,
although, yet
a) While deserts are expanding,
forests are shrinking.
b) He is not stingy, On the
contrary, he is quite generous.
c) Some actions are learned, but
other actions are innate.
d) Although they look similar,
these plants are actually quite
distinct.
6. Types of text based context
clues
Text-based
Types
Text-Based
Clues
Text-Based Examples
Comparison similarly,
both,
likewise,
just as
She was late, and I similarly was
delayed.
Example
Particulariza
tion
Such as,
such, like,
for
example,
e.g.,
especially,
particularly
a) In the markets basic
commodities such as meat,
sugar, cooking oil are often
unobtainable.
b) Nationwide access to mass-
media, particularly to TV, has
had a profound influence on
the attitudes of our people to
economic matters.
7. Types of text based context
clues
Text-based
Types
Text-
Based
Clues
Text-Based Examples
Reformulation
and
explanation
In other
words
that is
etc.
a) I’m not sure that his business is
strictly legitimate, i.e. is legal.
b) According to ethnologists, most
animal behavior is governed by
innate or instictive mechanisms,
in other words, mechanisms
inherited at birth.
c) Most human beings are
omnivores: that is, they eat both
animal and plant material, while
others are carnivores, eating only
animal flesh.
8. Types of text based context
clues
Note: Synonyms and antoynms may
often be accompanied by
conjunctions, such as or and
neither…nor.
Text-based
Types
Text-
Based
Clues
Text-Based Examples
Synonym and
Antonyms
a) To repeat one small job hour after hour ,
both tedious and boring. The job becomes
tiring and uninteresting.
b) The president neither confirmed nor
denied the news.
c) The velocity, or speed of light, is about
300.000 kilometres per second.
9. Framework based context
clues
• This kind of context does not
rely on specific words or
punctuation marks to indicate
meaning.
• Using our knowledge of the
surrounding words, we pull
relevant frameworks.
e.g. Death is defined as
that point at which both the
brain and the heart have
ceased to function.
Our knowledge of the world
10. examples
• The cost of public utilities – such as
electricity, gas and water- have greatly
increased. (punctuation)
• Expulsion refers to the removal of a
group from the territory in which it
resides. (definition)
• The court acquitted him of murder
but found him guilty of robbery.
(antonym)
11. examples
• People often suffer from speech defects.
Inability to pronounce certain sounds is
an example of such an impairment.
(example)
• It’s a difficult problem, but I’m sure it’s
not insurmountable. (contrast)
• The computer is infallible. It never
makes a mistake. (synonym)
• When there is no rain for a long time,
water supplies often
dwindle.(framework)
12. questions
1. The curtains were spotless; the
tablecloth was immaculate, too.
2. Whereas humans are able to offer help
unselfishly, chimpanzees do not seem
to help each other for alturistic
reasons.
3. The horse won’t work without some
reward, but it is remarkable how much
he can accoomplish with a carrot as an
incentive.
13. questions
1. Every time you cross a busy street
against the light, you are putting
your life in jeopardy.
2. Since Ann is very tall, she was
conspicuous at the dance. Almost
everyone noticed her.
3. The rainstorm inundated a number
of streets in low-lying areas.
14. questions
• Do not buy any more vegetables; we
have an ample supply.
a) a limited b) an abundant
c) a ready d) a dwindling
• The inhibited and restricted child,
accustomed to imitation rather than
self expression, leans on parents,
teachers, or peersfor direction.
a) restratined b) encouraged
c) anxious d) amused