• Have you ever read a book and have
no idea the meaning of some unfamiliar
words?
• How many times have you ever
experienced it?
• What do you usually do?
– Open up your dictionary?
– Ask your teacher for meaning?
or
Use the context
clues?
Using context clues
to infer meaning
What is a context clue?
• A clue
• A co-text; word(s) surrounding the
unfamiliar word
• It is a word (s) that say “Don’t touch the
dictionary or ask your teacher. The
meaning of the word is there in the
text.”
Types of context clues
Context clues can be in the forms of:
• Examples
• Explanation
• Synonym
• Antonym
Context clues: example
Projectiles include those items that
are shot forward such as a cannon
shell, bullet, or rocket.
Using the example clue, the
word projectiles in this sentence means
–things put down
–things shot forward
–things hurt
–things broken
Context clues: explanation
Katie appeared infallible in math
class because she had never gotten a
problem wrong.
Using the explanation clue, the
word infallible in this sentence means
–never wrong
–Mistaken
–Wrong
–incorrect
Context clues: synonym
Jackie was filled with mortification,
or shame, because of her careless
remark.
Using the synonym clue, the
word mortification in this sentence means
–Proud
–Shame
–Confident
–happy
Context clues: antonyms
Although Tom was anxious about
the test, Tina was not worried at all.
Using the antonym clue, the
word anxious in this sentence means
–Forgetful
–Worried
–Calm
–not worried
Quick check
Use context clues to infer
the meaning of the word(s)
printed in red
Google was a friend of mine when we
were both in elementary school. Though
we were very close, unlike me who was
smart and had a quick response, he was
a bit doltish.
Having a slow response; easy to pick on
This math problem contains many
conundrums, a mind-exercising puzzles. Ii
can not even understand a thing.
Puzzles; difficult problems/ questions
Even when the police officers put the
handcuffs on Ms.Badweather, she
maintained her dignity, holding her head
up high as she was marched off the
protest site.
The state of quality of being worthy of
honour/ respect
Yesterday was terrible in my class. We
smelled something bad, like a rotten
smell. I thought something putrid was in
our trash can.
Decayed and having unpleasant smell;
rotten
Do you prefer stop and look up
your dictionary for unfamiliar
words
Or
Go on reading while inferring
the meaning of the word(s) using
context clues?
Why?
• Use context clues to help
you reading.
• This will save your time
and enhance your
reading skills.
Try this
Use context clues to infer the
meaning of the word(s)
printed in red
The professor was a favorite among the
students at the college. His sagacity was
helpful to them as they pursued their
degrees. The professor was known to use
his experience, insight, and common sense
to help students pursue their education.
Using the example clue, the
word sagacity in this sentence means
Silliness
Thoughtlessness
Wisdom
negligence
An evanescent ring surrounded the
moon as it rose. It was there for a
moment, and then it disappeared.
In this sentence, the
word evanescent means
Full
Bright
Brief
ongoing
Uncle Ben tried to miss the rock in the
road. It was futile. He hit it head on and
soared over his handlebars.
In this sentence, the word futile means
Hopeless
Able
Needed
final
Since his first appearance, Lionel Messi
has been called the messiah in soccer. His
superb talent is his big help when on the
pitch. Being a soccer player is really his
niche, his most suitable job.
In this sentence, the word niche means
Undesired job
Most suitable job
Unwanted job
Most wanted job