Context clues are hints in the surrounding text that can help determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. There are four main types of context clues: definition/explanation, which directly defines the word; restatement/synonym, which uses a similar word; contrast/antonym, which contrasts the word's meaning; and inference/general context, which relies on common sense to infer the meaning. Understanding context clues can help readers comprehend new vocabulary from context in what they are reading.

1. CONTEXT CLUES
Grade 7

2. CONTEXT CLUES
Context clues are words and phrases
in a sentence which help you reason
out the meaning of an unfamiliar
word.
Oftentimes you can figure out the
meanings of new or unfamiliar
vocabulary by paying attention to the
surrounding language.

3. HOW TO UNDERSTAND NEW WORDS USING
CONTEXT CLUES?

4. FOUR TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES
1. Definition / Explanation
2. Restatement / Synonym
3. Contrast / Antonym
4. Inference / General Context Clues

5. DEFINITION / EXPLANATION
 The new term may be formally defined, or
sufficient explanation may be given within
the sentence or in the following sentence.
 Signals words: is defined as, means, the
term, [a term in boldface or italics] set off
with commas.

6. DEFINITION / EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to
settle the dispute, arrived at her decision.
What could be the definition of arbitrator in this
sentence ?
arbitrator - the neutral person
chosen to settle the dispute

7. RESTATEMENT / SYNONYMS
 Another word or phrase with the same or a
similar meaning of the unfamiliar word is
used.
 Signal words:in other word, that is, also
known as, sometimes called, or

8. RESTATEMENT / SYNONYMS EXAMPLE
The dromedary, commonly called a camel,
stores fat in its hump.
What could be the definition of dromedary
in this sentence?
Dromedary- a camel

9. CONTRAST / ANTONYM
 An opposite meaning context clue contrasts
the meaning of the an unfamiliar word.
 Signal words: but, in contrast, however,
instead of, unlike, yet.

10. CONTRAST / ANTONYM EXAMPLE
Unlike his quiet and low key family, Brad is
garrulous.
What could be the definition of garrulous in
this sentence?
garrulous -excessively talkative

11.  The meaning of an unfamiliar word can be
inferred the experience and background
knowledge of the reader; "common sense"
and logic.
 Signals: the information may be something
basically familiar to the reader.
INFERENCE/GENERAL CONTEXT
CLUES

12. INFERENCE/GENERAL CONTEXT
CLUES EXAMPLE
Katie’s belligerence surprised everyone. She
threw her book across the room, glared at
Chris, and then pushed him to the floor.
What could be the definition of belligerence
in this sentence?
Belligerence-aggressive or warlike behaviour