This document provides information about using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. It defines different types of context clues like definition, synonym, restatement, contrast, explanation, example, and inference. Examples are given for each type of context clue to illustrate how to use the surrounding words to infer the meaning of an unknown word. The document also notes some limitations of relying solely on context clues for a full definition.

1. Context Clues

2. Building
Word
Awareness
Context Clues
Definition
Synonyms
Restatement
Contrast
Explanation
Examples
Inference

3. What is Context?
Most Americans can speak only one
________. Europeans, however,
________ several. As a result,
Europeans think ________ are
unfriendly and unwilling to
communicate with them.
Try to figure out the missing words.

4. What is Context?
Most Americans can speak only one
language. Europeans, however,
speak several. As a result,
Europeans think Americans are
unfriendly and unwilling to
communicate with them.
How did you do? How did you
figure out the missing words?

5. What is Context?
Use the words surrounding the
unknown word to help determine
the unknown word’s meaning.
“Phobias, such as fear of heights,
water, or confined spaces are
difficult to eliminate.”

6. Context Clues: Definition
Unknown word is
defined immediately
following its use
brief definition, synonym,
or restatement using
punctuation-commas,
parentheses or dashes.
“Be” verb shows the
two ideas are the
same. X = Y
A chemical
bond is a
strong force
that holds two
or more atoms
together.
A dialect is a
form of speech
from a specific
region.

7. Synonyms
A writer often choose a more
familiar word or words with the
same meaning to make the
difficult word understandable
Ballet students appear so lithe; they
are so limber and flexible.
The cataract was spectacular; the
steep waterfall dropped abruptly
eighty feet.

8. Restatement
Close to a synonym, restatement
differs in that a difficult word is
usually restated in a simpler form
—usually set of by commas.
The poetry was sublime, lofty and
moving, and brought tears to my eyes.
The village was depopulated, most of
the residents dead or moved, but the
livestock remained untouched.

9. Contrast
Antonym, a word
of opposite
meaning (notice
the restatement)
Contrast clue
words: but,
however, in
contrast to, on
the other hand
The gentleman
was portly, but
his wife was thin.
The mayoral
candidate praised
the town
council,but the
mayor
deprecated it.

10. Explanation
Similar to a definition clue
Generally longer than a
definition
Usually found in one or more
different sentences

11. Context Clues:
Explanation
The chrome is beginning to corrode. It shows
signs of pitting and of being eaten away
gradually.
It was a martial parade: signs of the military
were everywhere. Everyone was in uniform;
guns, cannon and tanks were on display, and
jets flew overhead.

12. Context Clues:
Explanation
NOTE: Sometimes the explanation is
presented first.
The puppy was a complete bother
and an annoyance to all the
neighbors. It was a continual
nuisance.

13. Example
Examples that the
reader may know to
help explain a new
and unfamiliar
concept or term
Note the
punctuation clues:
commas or hyphens
Signal words—such
as, for example, for
instance, to
illustrate,
specifically
Legumes, such as
peas and beans,
produce pods.
Forest floors are
frequently covered
with fungi—molds,
mushrooms, and
mildews.

14. Inference
Use reasoning
and prior
knowledge
Your experiences
provide common-
sense clues to
the meaning of a
word
This context clue
is often a little
harder to spot
Since Reginald was
nervous, he brought his
rabbit foot talisman
with him to the exam.
His alibi was upheld
when John’s friends
offered personal
testimony, letters of
documentation, and
three videotapes
showing that he was
present at the party.

15. Limitations of
Context Clues
1.Context clues only give the
immediate definition for that
particular context.
2.Context clues seldom lead to a
precise, complete definition.
3.Sometimes the passage will not
contain clues to the meaning of the
unfamiliar word.

16. Applying What You
Have Learned
Can you define the
unfamiliar word?
Name the context
clue that helped
you?
What was the signal
word that helped?
He seemed quite
free and easy
with a few
friends, but at
large parties he
was quite
inhibited.

17. The definition of the unfamiliar
word is “controlled, restrained.”
The context clue was contrast.
The signal word was “but.”
Applying What You
Have Learned

18. Can you
define the
unfamiliar
word?
Can you
name the
specific
context clue
that helped
you?
Embassies typically
follow well-
established
protocols, or
accepted
procedures, for
seating guests at a
government
dinner.
Applying What You
Have Learned

19. The definition of protocol is a set
of rules or procedures.
The context clue is “definition,”
with some help from the
commas – restatement
Applying What You
Have Learned

20. Can you define
the unfamiliar
word?
Can you name
the specific
context clue
that helped
you?
Corona refers to
the outermost part
of the sun’s
atmosphere.
Facets-small flat
surfaces at
different angles-
bring out the
beauty of a
diamond.
Applying What You
Have Learned

21. First: context clue is a straight
definition.
Second: context clue is
definition—restatement. Notice
the punctuation helps.
Applying What You
Have Learned

22. Applying What You
Have Learned
Most condiments,
such as pepper,
mustard and
catsup, are used to
improve the flavor
of foods.
Can you define
the unfamiliar
word?
Can you name
the specific
context clue
that helped
you?

23. A condiment is a flavor enhancer
used to spice up foods.
The context clue was an
example clue. Notice the signal
phrase—such as.
Applying What You
Have Learned

24. Can you define
the unfamiliar
word?
Can you name
the specific
context clue
that helped
you?
Some city
dwellers are
affluent; others
live in poverty.
Applying What You
Have Learned

25. Applying What You
Have Learned
The definition of affluent is
“rich, wealthy.”
The context clue is contrast.

26. Can you define
the unfamiliar
word?
Can you name
the specific
context clue
that helped
you?
The wallabies at
the zoo looked
like kangaroos.
Applying What You
Have Learned

27. A wallaby is a small kangaroo.
The context clue could be
example or inference.
Applying What You
Have Learned