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Context clues are hints that the author gives to help define a difficult word. The clue might be in the same sentence as the word, or in the sentences around it. Most of our vocabulary is gained through reading, so it is very important that you know how to use context clues .
Types of Context clues *Synonym: A word with the same meaning is used in the sentence. Example: My opponent’s argument is fallacious, misleading-plain wrong. *Antonym: A word that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of the unknown word. Example: Although some children are loquacious, others hardly talk at all. *Explanation: The unknown word is explained. Example: The patient is so somnolent, that she requires medication to help her stay awake for more than a very short amount of time. *Examples: specific examples are used to define the term Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon and stars, are governed by predictable laws.
MondayIdentify the meaning of the underlined word and tell the type of context clue you used: • It was a beautiful spring day. The weather was balmy, not too hot and not too cool. The weather was perfect as Ben walked to school. • Ben loved fourth grade! It wasn’t that he was particularly ecstatic when it came to solving math problems, writing compositions, or worst of all doing homework. He was, however, thrilled to be class clown. • Ben had considered bringing his pet lizard to class and letting it lose during silent reading time. He knew the boys in his class would love it. Then he thought at the last minute that it might not be safe for Sam. What if some girl, or his teacher, Mrs. Benson, went berserk and whacked the lizard with a dictionary or something? • He was so parsimonious that he refused to give his sons the few pennies they needed to buy pencils for school. It truly hurt him to part with his money.
Tuesday Identify the meaning of the underlined word and tell the type of context clue you used: 1. The floors of the restaurant were extremely scuzzy. They were covered with spilled grease, crumbs of food, and spilled sodas. 2. The contractor was always well remunerated for his work. For example, he received $10,000 for a small addition to a house and last year he was received $5,000 for reconstructing a stairway. 3. The river was full of noxiousmaterials, such as cleaning agents from factories and pesticides from the nearby farms.
WednesdayIdentify the meaning of the underlined word and tell the type of context clue you used: • “Unlike Jamaal’s room, which was immaculate, Jeffrey’s room was very messy.” • “ The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to settle the dispute, arrived at her decision.” • “The slender woman was so thin her clothes were too big on her. • 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.
ThursdayIdentify the meaning of the underlined word and tell the type of context clue you used: 1. She wanted to impress all her dinner guests with the food she served, so she carefully studied the necessary culinary arts. 2. The tranquilized grizzly bear was lethargic enough for the scientists to safely examine his teeth and tattoo his ears. 3. The job candidate’s background was impeccable – good references and many years of experience, but the company did not give her the job.
