AP1A-1
Case Studies: Guessing the Meaning
When you find a new vocabulary word while reading, don’t immediately go to the dictionary.
Instead, guess the meaning of the new word from context.
What is context?
Context refers to the words that come just before and after a word or sentence. Context helps
you understand the word’s meaning (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online).
Why is guessing the meaning from context important?
Discuss this with your neighbor for 2 minutes. List 3 ways this helps you as a language learner:
1. ___________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________
How do I guess the meaning from context?
Look for clues that you help understand its meaning. Look in the sentences before and after
the new word. Don’t worry if you cannot guess the exact meaning of the word. It is not always
necessary to know the exact meaning. If you understand the main idea, keep reading!
What should I look for?
Antonyms or Contrasts - These words or phrases show the opposite of the new word.
Clues: but, in contrast, however, instead of, unlike, yet
Example: Maria is quiet and shy, but her sister is quite garrulous.
Definitions or Examples - These words of phrases define, explain, or provide examples of the
new word.
Clues: is defined as, means, for example, for instance
(Often a definition or example is after a comma (,), dash (-), or in parentheses( ).)
Examples: When immigrants move to a new country, they must acclimate, or adapt to
the different culture.
Sedentary children often have health problems. For example, kids who mostly play
video games instead of sports are at risk for obesity.
TLC Project 2010 – Permission granted for classroom use only
AP1A-1
Synonyms or Restatements - These words or phrases have the same or similar meaning as the
new word.
Clues: in other words, by, that is, also known as, sometimes called, or, i.e. (stand for the
Latin id est, which means “that is”)
Example: She is completely ambidextrous. In other words, she can write equally well
with her left hand or her right hand.
General Knowledge or Logic – Use the overall meaning of the sentences to guess the meaning
of a new word using common sense or your life experience.
Example: David adapts quickly to new cultures because he pays close attention to the
small social cues that help him learn the correct behavior.
Practice: Read the sentences below. Write a definition for the underlined word. What kind of
clue is given? (antonym, definition, synonym, general knowledge)
1. Ramleh and Hassan are just getting started in Seattle, so they have been consumed with
making living arrangements.
2. In Somalia, there were primary and secondary schools for children of different ages.
3. Luis likes the idea of pursuing education by getting specialized training and being able to
work in the office or even start his own business some day.
4. Yang is expecting, and she will have her baby in six months.
TLC Project 2010 – Permission granted for classroom use only