Using Context Clues in understanding difficult words

2. More cities are beginning to abrogate
smoking in public places because of
second-hand smoke hazards

3. Objectives
Define context clues
Identify the types of context
clues
Use context clues in figuring out
the meaning of words

4. Types of Context Clues

5. Context Clues
Are textual devices to
understanding word relations,
patterns, or meanings in forms
of explanation, definition,
example, cause to an effect or
vice versa, restatement, synonym
or antonym, illustration, and
etc.

6. Types of Context
Clues
Synonyms - A word or phrase with the
same meaning
Tim said, “I am starving.” He was famished
because he had not eaten all day.
The harlequin, like the circus clown, was
a fool who loved to perform.

7. Types of Context
Clues
Antonyms - A word or phrase with the
opposite meaning
My dog is obese. He has not been thin
since he was a puppy.
The feral cat would not let us pet him,
unlike our friendly cat.

8. Types of Context
Clues
Explanation - sometimes the
meaning of the word is explained
immediately following its use
A biographer, one who writes about
someone’s life is an example of an
author.

9. Types of Context
Clues
Examples - Specific examples are
used to define a term
Celestial bodies, such as the sun,
moon, and stars, are governed by
predictable laws.

10. Riddle Riddle on
the Board
Since it was raining outside,
I used my bumbershoot to
keep me from getting wet.

11. Riddle Riddle on the
Board
Answer #1
A bumbershoot is an
umbrella.

12. Riddle Riddle on
the Board
Unlike Kyle, who has a lot of
friends, Jeremy is a
maverick.

13. Riddle Riddle on the
Board
Answer #2
A maverick is a loner.

14. Riddle Riddle on
the Board
The ranivorous hawk, an
animal that eats frogs, is
found in central and
eastern Africa.

15. Riddle Riddle on the
Board
Answer #3
Ranivorous means frog-
eating.

16. Riddle Riddle on
the Board
In class, Julia was so
cantankerous that her
grumpy behavior negatively
affected everyone.

17. Riddle Riddle on the
Board
Answer #4
Cantankerous means
grouchy, or ill tempered.

18. GETS MO NA BA?!
If you don’t curtail your spending,
you’ll be broke in no time at all!

19. GETS MO NA BA?!
Marty is gregarious, unlike his brother
who is quiet and shy.

20. GETS MO NA BA?!
The doctor’s writing was utterly
illegible; no one could read those
scribbles.

21. GETS MO NA BA?!
The mortgage company was willing to
discharge the rest of the interest on
the loan because they would be
satisfied by receiving the majority of
the debt.

22. GETS MO NA BA?!
After the man robbed the federal
bank, he became an outlaw who was
on the run from local lawmen.

23. GETS MO NA BA?!
The team was elated because they just
found out that they placed in the
semifinals.

24. GETS MO NA BA?!
The girl who used to be very
vociferous doesn’t talk much anymore.

25. GETS MO NA BA?!
Pedagogical institutions, like high
schools, kindergartens, and colleges,
require community support to function
efficiently.

26. GETS MO NA BA?!
Diane was lethargic; she didn’t have
the energy to get out of bed.

27. GETS MO NA BA?!
His animosity, or hatred, of his sister
divided the family.