Target Goal:
I can define unknown
words using context clues.
SAT Example
Each occupation has its own ____ ; bankers,
lawyers and computer professionals, for
example, all use among themselves language
which outsiders have difficulty following.
A. merits
B. disadvantages
C. rewards
D. jargon
E. problems
ACT Example
“ Now this is the point. You fancy me mad. Madmen know
nothing. But you should have seen me. You should have
seen how wisely I proceeded-with what cautionwith what foresight-with what dissimulation I went to
work!”
As used in the passage , the word fancy most nearly means:
A. decorative
B. desire
C. think
D. like
OGT Example
What does compressed mean in the following
sentence?
“…the heavier accumulations of snow that could
result would be compressed over time,
thereby forming more ice.”
A. Colder
C. Swept
B. Heavier
D. Squashed
What does it mean to define words using
context?
Take the word apart:
Remember the prefix con means “with” and if
you add the root text – the term context
literally means within the text.
Thus, context is the hints or clues that surround
the word in the sentence or surrounding
sentences that may help define the unknown
word.
There are seven types of context clues.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Definition
Synonym
Antonym
Comparison/Contrast
Example
Summary
Cause and Effect
Definition
• The author provides a
direct definition of an
unknown word in a
sentence.
Example: Dr. Smith is an
optometrist, a doctor
who sees patients
regarding eye health.
• All context clue types
have words that signal
the type of context clue.
There are called signal
or “flag” words. For
definition context clues
the signal words are:
is, are, means, and
refers to
Synonym
The author uses a word
having the same or
nearly the same
meaning as another
word or other words in
a sentence.
Signal words: also, as,
identical, like, likewise,
resembling, same,
similar, too
Example:
Hurricane Katrina
caused catastrophic
damages to new
Orleans much like
Hurricane Ike caused
ruinous conditions in
Texas.
Antonym
The author uses another
word or phrase that
means the opposite of an
unfamiliar word.
Signal words: but,
however, in contrast,
instead of, on the other
hand, though, unlike
Example: I abhor math,
but I adore reading.
Comparison and Contrast
In comparison clues, the
writer uses similar words or
phrases to the unfamiliar
word, In contrast clues, the
writer uses opposite words
or phrases to the unfamiliar
term.
Signal words: although,
conversely, different from,
however, in contrast, more
than , similarly, to compare
Example:
I enjoy biking and
hiking, however, I
loathe running.
Example
• The writer provides
words that are
examples of an
unfamiliar word.
• Signal words: for
example, for instance,
including, like, such as,
that is, specifically, to
illustrate
In class we are learning
about the judicial system
including, the judge, the
plaintiff, the defendant
and the jury.
Summary
• Words in a sentence
provide a summary of
what the unknown word
means
• Hint: Most often there is
no signal word since the
summary is provided in
the sentences that are
before or after the word.
Brian is a conscientious
student. He always does all
of his homework in a
detailed and careful manner.
He listens well in class and is
sure to participate when the
teacher asks the class a
question.
Cause and Effect
• The cause of the sentence
is stated in unknown
words, but the effect is
stated in known words.
OR - The effect of the
sentence is stated in
unknown words, but the
cause is stated in known
words.
Since no one came to the
first staff meeting,
attendance to the second
one is mandatory for all
staff.
Signal words: since,
because, as a result,
accordingly, consequently,
for this reason, hence, due
to
Practice #1
The hapless flounder was caught in a net, hung
on a hook, and later fried in a pan.
What are the context clues that could help you
define hapless in the sentence if this was an
unfamiliar word to you? What type of
context clue is this?
Practice #1 Explained
The hapless flounder was caught in a net, hung
on a hook, and later fried in a pan.
Hapless means unlucky or unfortunate. The
words “caught in a net, hung on a hook, and
later fried in a pan” could help you define the
word. This is a summary context clue.
Practice #2
Because Casey was frugal with purchases, she
usually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the
end of the week.
What are the context clues that could help you
define frugal in the sentence if this was an
unfamiliar word to you? What type of
context clue is this?
Practice #2 Explained
Because Casey was frugal with purchases, she
usually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the
end of the week.
Frugal means careful with one’s money and
thrifty. The words “she usually had a few dollars
left in her wallet at the end of the week could
help you define the word”. This is a cause-effect
context clue. Because is a signal word.
Practice #3
If Logan would have enunciated his words,
instead of mumbling during his speech,
his grade would have been better.
What are the context clues that could help you
define enunciated in the sentence if this was an
unfamiliar word to you? What type of
context clue is this?
Practice #3 Explained
If Logan would have enunciated his words,
instead of mumbling during his speech,
his grade would have been better.
Enunciate means to clearly pronounce. The
word “mumble” is the context clue. This is an
antonym context clue. The signal words are
“instead of”.
Create your own sentences:
• Cryptic – puzzling, mystifying, or
enigmatic
• Divergent – going in different directions;
different from each other; departing
from convention; deviant
• Enmity – hatred, ill-will
• Fervent – very earnest, emotional,
passionate; extremely hot
Group Practice #1:
Define the bolded word
The family commiserated with her after the loss
of her old and faithful dog.
a. To be angry with
b. To feel regret for
c. To sympathize with
d. To have forgiveness for
Answer #1 Explained
The family commiserated with her after the loss
of her old and faithful dog.
a. To be angry with
b.To feel regret for
c. To sympathize with
d.To have forgiveness for
Letter C is the correct answer because an
example of when you would commiserate with
someone is given
Group Practice #2
My grasp of trigonometry was tenuous, until I
attended the extra-help sessions which helped
make everything clearer.
A. Strong
B. Vague
C. Tender
D. Substantial
Answer #2 Explained
My grasp of trigonometry was tenuous, until I
attended the extra-help sessions which helped
make everything clearer.
A. Strong
B. Vague
C. Tender
D.Substantial
The correct answer is B due to the cause and the effect
context clue. Because he went to the help sessions, the
effect was everything is clearer. Clearer is an antonym
for tenuous.
Independent Practice:
Define the bolded word
With dramatic gestures, our fans exhorted the
team to play harder.
a. Discouraged
b.Trespassed
c. Urged
d.Prayed
Independent Practice #2:
Define the bolded word
A hot bowl of soup can ameliorate the
discomforts of even the coldest day.
a. Improve
b.Worsen
c. Experience
d.Warm
Independent Practice #3:
Define the bolded word
You may ascribe these holes on gophers, but I
blame the dog next door.
a. To write
b.To credit
c. To have an intense dislike
d.To give a result