Context
Clues
It is common to
encounter words
we do not
understand while
reading. Looking
up words we do
not know
interrupts the flow
of reading.
Good readers try to
figure out the
meaning of difficult
words by looking
at the sentences
and words
surrounding the
unfamiliar word.
There are several types of context clues:
Compare/Synonym
Definitions/Descriptions
Example
Contrast/Antonym
Logic
Latin and Greek Word Parts
Grammar
Clues from Words in a Series
Context Clues
Compare
Sometimes an author will compare two things in
a sentence that have a similarity. That
similarity helps you understand the meaning of
the unfamiliar word.
Ex. The toddler gnashed at his food like a tiger
ripping at its prey. (bites with grinding teeth)
Sometimes an author will compare two things
that are similar in a sentence and actually give
you a synonym (word that means the same) for
your unfamiliar word.
Ex. Only today I wish I didn’t have just eleven
years rattling inside me like pennies jangling in
a tin Band-Aid box.
Context Clues
Definitions/Descriptions
Often a sentence will contain the exact definition of
the unfamiliar word or will describe a word.
Ex. of description: I did not want to wear the
raggedy sweater because the elbows of the sleeves
had worn out.
Context Clues
Definitions/Descriptions
Ex. of description: Mr. Jones is a recluse. He lives
alone on the edge of town and he never comes
out of his house except to go to work.
Ex. of description: The day was dismal. The sky
was gloomy and the rain made it miserable and
damp, so all the students were sleepy.
Ex. of definition: The students waited for the
busses patiently, calmly without complaining.
Context Clues
Example
Often, a sentence will provide examples and
details which help you see and understand an
unfamiliar word, even if you don’t know the
exact definition.
Ex. The student showed he was sympathetic when
the teacher fell over his backpack by helping
her up and telling her how sorry he was that
she got hurt. (caring)
Context Clues
Contrast
Antonym
Sometimes an unfamiliar word is used in contrast
to a word that you DO know or that is
explained in the sentence.
Ex. Unlike Professor Dixon, who is extremely
nervous, Professor Benton is very placid. (calm)
Context Clues
Logic
Your knowledge about the world or about a
particular situation can help you understand an
unfamiliar word.
Ex. In my head I’m thinking how long till lunch time,
how long till I can take the red sweater…and toss
it in the dark, narrow alley between the buildings.
Ex. The babysitter put a pacifier in the baby’s mouth
and little Jimmy stopped crying.
Ex. On a computer, you can change a word simply by
moving the cursor to the place where you want to
make the change.
Context Clues
Latin and Greek Word Parts
You can decode a difficult vocabulary word by
pulling the word apart to see if you find any
familiar words inside. Also, look for prefixes,
roots and suffixes that you know.
Ex. I am so embarrassed because the whole class
is looking at me. I wish I was invisible.
Context Clues
Grammar
When you know the part of speech of an
unfamiliar word, you know a lot about that
word.
Ex. Let the rain beat your head with silver liquid
drops. (strike)
Ex. The students waited for the busses patiently,
calmly without complaining. (peacefully)
Context Clues
Clues from Words in a Series
When you come across an unfamiliar word in a
series of words, the other words in the series
give you a clue about the unfamiliar word.
Ex. Spring brings sparrow, finches, robins, and
magpies to our yard. (crows)