The document discusses different strategies for understanding unknown words when reading, including using graphics like word maps. It provides an example word map about the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer that defines it as directing the flow of information in the computer, performing calculations, and being also called the processor. The summary explains that graphics like word maps can help a reader understand technical terms by breaking them down visually into their key meanings and functions.

2. Using Graphics to Understand Unknown Words
Central
Processing
Unit
Abbreviation
is CPU
Directs flow
Of information
Does the
math performed
by the computer
Also called
The
processor
For example, you may be reading a math selection about computers.
To understand what you are reading,
you need to understand what the words Central Processing Unit mean.
First, preview the selection. As you preview, look for information about the words.
Look for photos, captions, charts, or other illustrations. Here is an example of a word map
about a computer’s Central Processing Unit:
The reader who made this word map
knows that the Central Processing Unit
of a computer direct the flow of
information into and through the
computer, that it does the math
performed by the computer, and that it
may also be referred to as the CPU or
processor.
Now he or she can read with greater
understanding

3. 1. Direction Words
~ Describe – create a clear picture
~ Explain – give facts or reasons
~ List – mention or give example
~ Compare – show similarities
~ Contrast – show differences
~ Illustrate – give examples
~ Summarize – state important
point
~ Discuss – present ideas about a topic
~ Analyze – explain in depth how thing
are related to one another
~ Identify – place a person or event
in time
~ Define – give the meaning of

4. ~ Look at the word around the one you don’t know.
~ Look for all the time the word is used.
When plants and animal die, they decompose. Bacteria
and fungi eat them. As the plants and animal decompose, or break
down into smaller parts, the decay frees nutrients that make soil
rich. The nutrients will help the plants grow, completing the food
chain.
Do you see the meaning of decompose?

5. 3. Context Clues : part II
A. Definitions, restatements, and synonyms
Definition : She studied astronomy, which is study of the
stars, the planets, and the universe.
Restatement : The scientist made a hypothesis, or educated
guess, before beginning his experiment.
Synonym : Don was feeling elated , so delighted, by the
grade he got,

6. B. Meaning through example
Example may be shown by words such as :
~ for instance,
~ for example, and
~ such as
The scientist found different amulets, such as a rabbit’s foot
and bag of herbs, near the ancient altar.
Do you see the meaning of amulets?

7. C. Comparisons and Contrasts
Comparison : Marge was prompt, and because everyone else
was on time, too, the meeting started at 8 A.M.
Contrast : You may be a hypocrite, but the rest of people
showed that they believed what they said they
believed.

8. 4. Using Related Words to Find Meaning
When you complete that questionnaire, don’t forget to use
a pencil to fill in your answer
~ “Questionnaire” is related with the word “question”
~ Knowing that word and look at the sentence, you can
figure out that questionnaire means “ a paper that has
some questions to answer”
Genetics is one of the most interesting subjects you can learn about.
~ Genetic is based on a root word you may know : gene
(that has something to do with the kinds of things a person
is born with)
~ Genetics is the study of the kinds of characteristics are born
with.

9. 5. Signal Words
A. Words that give you steps
~ Some of these word are number words, such as first,
second, and last
~ before and then
First, put the sugar and the water in the pan. Second, turn
up the heat to high. Next, cook until the mixture bubbles. Finally,
let it cool.
B. Words that tell you what is coming next
~ therefore or in conclusion
Let me restate this point. No one is sure what this drug will
do. Therefore, I will not approve it. In conclusion, I must say that
no one should ever take this unsafe drug.

10. 6. Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes Meaning Examples
non -, in -, im -,
il -, ir-
not Non fiction means “not fiction”
Illegal means “not legal”
de -, dis - Away from or
The opposite of
Disapprove means “the opposite of
approve”
re- again Regain means “to again and again”
pre - , fore - Before or
Ahead of time
Preview means”to see before”
trans - Across or
To the other side of
Transoceanic means “across the
ocean”

11. Suffixes Meaning Examples
- less without Clueless means “without a clue”
- full, - ous Full of Thankful means “full of thanks”
- er, - or, - ist A person or thing
That does
something
A tourist is “a person who tours”
- able, - ible Can or able to be Adaptable means “able to adapt”
- ship, - ment,
- ness, - hood
The state of or
the condition of or
The act or
Process of
Parenthood “means the state of
being a parent”

12. Any Questions?