Reading with Context . . .

A great way to figure out new words, and their meanings.

What is Context?

Example: Tony noticed that the wallabies at the zoo looked like kangaroos. (What are wallabies?)

Example: Many people have phobias, such as fear of heights, a fear of water, or a fear of confined spaces. (What is a phobia?)

Types of Context Clues

Definition CluesSynonym CluesExample CluesContrast Clues Inference Clues

Definition Clues

Writers define a word right after they use it.

They use words and phrases such as:

means is refers to are called

Examples of Definition Clues

Example: Broad, flat noodles that are served covered with sauce or butter are called fettuccine.

Example: Corona refers to the outermost part of the

sun’s atmosphere.

Synonym Clues

Writers provide a synonym or brief phrase to define the word.

The synonym can appear in the same sentence or in an earlier or later sentence.

Examples of Synonym Clues Example: The main character in the

novel was an amalgam, or combination, of several people the author had met during the year.

Example: Betsy took a break from teaching to serve in the Peace Core. Despite the hiatus, Betsy’s school was delighted to rehire her when she returned.

Example Clues

Writers often include examples to help explain a word.

Examples can be introduced with words such as: like, such as, for example, or including.

Example Clues

Example: Newsmagazines , like Time or Newsweek, are more detailed than newspapers.

Example: In the past month, we have had almost every type of precipitation, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Contrast Clues

You can determine the meaning of an unknown word from an antonym—a word or phrase that has the opposite meaning.

Examples can be introduced with words such as but, though, and whereas.

Examples of Contrast Clues

Example: Although Liz felt sad and depressed, most of the graduates were elated.

Example: My Uncle Saul is quite portly, whereas his wife is very thin.

Inference Clues

Inference is used to figure out the meaning of an unknown word by using logic and reasoning skills.

Examples of Inference Clues

Example: On hot, humid summer afternoons, I often feel languid.

Example: Bob is quite versatile: he is a good student, a top athlete, an excellent car mechanic, and a gourmet cook.

Test-Taking Tip #2: Answering Vocabulary Questions

Test writers often use context in their exams.

Read beyond the word in question to see if there is a clue to its meaning, either in the same sentence or in a later sentence.

In a multiple choice question, first try to eliminate one or more choices. Then substitute the choice(s) you are considering for the unknown word in the sentence in which it appears. Choose the choice that makes the most sense.

Test-Taking Tip #2: Answering Vocabulary Questions

Example: After the shopper succumbed to the temptation of buying an expensive new dress, she was filled with regret. Succumbed means:

A. Gave in B. Resisted C. Alerted D. Ridiculed