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Grade 8 Lesson 1 Context Clues

This document discusses different types of context clues that readers can use to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words: 1) Definition/description clues provide a formal definition or explanation of the unfamiliar word within the sentence or paragraph. 2) Example clues give examples of the unfamiliar word within the text to illustrate its meaning. 3) Synonym restatement clues repeat the idea of the unfamiliar word using familiar synonyms. 4) Contrast/antonym clues provide an opposite meaning to help infer the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

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Jay-Em Aboyo
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251 views

Grade 8 Lesson 1 Context Clues

This document discusses different types of context clues that readers can use to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words: 1) Definition/description clues provide a formal definition or explanation of the unfamiliar word within the sentence or paragraph. 2) Example clues give examples of the unfamiliar word within the text to illustrate its meaning. 3) Synonym restatement clues repeat the idea of the unfamiliar word using familiar synonyms. 4) Contrast/antonym clues provide an opposite meaning to help infer the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

Uploaded by

Jay-Em Aboyo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CONTEXT CLUES

TEACHER: JOSE MARI ABOYO


CONTEXT CLUES
• Context clues are hints found
within a sentence, paragraph, or
passage that a reader can use to
understand the meanings of new
or unfamiliar words.
DEFINITION / DESCRIPTION CLUE

• The new term may be formally


defined, or sufficient explanation
may be given within the sentence or
in the following sentence. Clues to
definition include “that is,” commas,
dashes, and parentheses.
EXAMPLES

His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-


like appearance, was frightening to
see.

“Skeleton-like appearance” is the


definition of “emaciation.”
EXAMPLES

Fluoroscopy, examination with a


fluoroscope, has become a common
practice.

The commas before and after “examination


with a fluoroscope” point out the definition
of “fluoroscopy.”
EXAMPLES

The dudeen – a short-stemmed clay


pipe – is found in Irish folk tales.

The dashes setting off “a short-


stemmed clay pipe” point out the
definition of “dudeen.”
EXAMPLE CLUES

Sometimes when a reader finds a new


word, an example might be found
nearby that helps to explain its
meaning. Words like including, such
as, and for example, point out example
clues.
EXAMPLES

Piscatorial creatures, such as flounder,


salmon, and trout, live in the coldest
parts of the ocean.

“Piscatorial” obviously refers to fish.


EXAMPLES

Celestial bodies, including the sun,


moon, and stars, have fascinated man
through the centuries.

“Celestial” objects are those in the sky


or heavens.
EXAMPLES

In the course of man’s evolution,


certain organs have atrophied. The
appendix, for example, has wasted
away from disuse.

“Atrophied” means “wasted away.”


SYNONYM RESTATEMENT CLUE

The reader may discover the


meaning of an unknown word
because it repeats an idea
expressed in familiar words
nearby. Synonyms are words with
the same meaning.
EXAMPLES

Flooded with spotlights – the focus of all


attention – the new Miss America began
her year-long reign. She was the cynosure
of all eyes for the rest of the evening.

“Cynosure” means “the focus of all


attention.”
EXAMPLES

The mountain pass was a tortuous


road, winding and twisting like a
snake around the trees of the
mountainside.

“Tortuous” means “winding and


twisting.”
CONTRAST / ANTONYM CLUE

Antonyms are words with opposite


meanings. An opposite meaning context
clue contrasts the meaning of an unfamiliar
word with the meaning of a familiar term.
Words like “although,” “however,” and
“but” may signal contrast clues.
EXAMPLES

When the light brightens, the pupils of


the eyes contract; however, when it
grows darker, they dilate.

“Dilate” means the opposite of


“contract.”
EXAMPLES

The children were as different as day


and night. He was a lively
conversationalist, but she was reserved
and taciturn.

“Taciturn” means the opposite of a


“lively conversationalist.”
MOOD / TONE CLUE

The author sets a mood, and the


meaning of the unknown word must
harmonize with the mood.
EXAMPLES

The lugubrious wails of the gypsies


matched the dreary whistling of the wind
in the all-but-deserted cemetery.

“Lugubrious,” which means “sorrowful,”


fits into the mood set by the words
“wails,” “dreary,” and “deserted
cemetery.”
ASSIGNMENT

Research the following and give at least 3


examples each. Use Microsoft word and e-mail it
to [email protected]

Experience clue
Analysis or Structure Clue
Inference Clue
Cause and Effect Clue

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