Strategy:Use schema and context to confirm meaning.

Context CluesContext Clues

Context clues are words, phrases, and sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word that give clues or hints to its meaning.

Have you ever been reading along and come across a word that was unfamiliar? A word that you were unsure of its meaning?

When I come to a word I don’t know, I can use this plan to check for clues.

Check for a context clue that is right there in the sentence.

If I find a clue, reread the sentence with the clue in mind.

Think to myself, what is this sentence trying to say?

Learning these 5 types of context clues will help you use information around the word to infer the meaning.

SynonymDefinitionExampleContrastInference

Synonyms and Definitions

These types of clues give you a word that means the same, a short definition, or description.

These clues are often set off by a comma (,) or dashes (-).

Signal words in the sentence may include or, means, in other words, and also known as.

These are often the easiest clues to find.

Let’s Practice!

Lets try to figure out the meanings of these next two words. Remember to look for context clues and signal words.

Just click on the word that you think is correct. If you miss, you’ll see a sad face. Click on it to

try again. If you used your clues correctly you’ll get a

cheer!

Examples of Synonym and Definitions

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

Sorry, try again

That’s Right!

The man was sent to the penitentiary, also known as a prison, for stealing cars.

Using the definition clue, the word penitentiary in this sentence means?

prison

paradise heaven

hotel

Sorry, try again

That’s Right!

These clues often give a list of examples to explain or describe the unfamiliar word.

Signal words include: such as, for example, and including.

The examples are also set off by commas, or dashes.

Let’s Practice !

Remember use the signal words and context clues.

Click on your guess. If you miss the sad face will bring you back to

try again. If you’re correct you’ll move on.

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 hurt

things broken things shot forward

Sorry, try again

That’s Right!

• This type of clue tells you what something isn’t, instead of what it is. These clues may give you an opposite of the word’s meaning.

• You may see these signal words; but, unlike, not, instead of, and rather than.

• Signal words will be set off with a comma, and the context clue will follow the signal word.

Let’s Practice !

Remember use the signal words and context clues.

Click on your guess. If you miss the sad face will bring you back to

try again. If you’re correct you’ll move on.

• After taking the lift to the top, Doug was reluctant to ski down the mountain, unlike his friend Bob who was eager to take off.

• In this sentence, the word reluctant means?

unwillingkeen

readyhappy

Sorry, try again

That’s Right!

With these clues you must use your own knowledge to figure out the meaning of a word.

At times you must piece together the clues with the information you already know to infer the meaning of a word.

clues + what I know = meaning

Let’s Practice!

You know what to do!

Tobacco companies are accused of trying to lure young people into smoking with ads that feature hip cartoon characters or attractive young people smoking.

In this sentence the clue of experience tells you the word lure means?

trick

help resist attractput off

Sorry, try again

That’s Right!

Summarize the Learning

Context clues are words that help me figure out an unknown word.

Using the Context Clue strategy, I can improve my goal of expanding vocabulary

There are 5 kinds of clues or hints to look for:Synonyms-definitions-examples-contrast-experience

Using Context Clues will help me become a more independent reader.

Credits:

Context Clues slideshow developed by Patty Rieple Betz ElementaryResources:The Café Book: Engaging all Students in Daily Literacy Assessment and Instruction, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, Stenhouse Publisher, 2009

Edhelper-content clues printableshttp://www.edhelper.com/language/Context_Clues.htm

Reading for Understanding: Scholastic skills book level C, Scholastic Inc., 1995.