CONTEXT CLUES
Sometimes when reading, you might run across an unfamiliar word. When this occurs, you can use context clues to help decipher the meaning of the word. Context clues are hints in a text that can help define a word.
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Context Clue #1 — EXAMPLE: Sometimes an author will give an example of a word after it is used. A specific example can often help clarify the meaning of a word.
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What does the word terrain mean?
EXAMPLES:
- wide, open meadows
- evergreen trees and mountain lakes
- basins with glaciers
These examples help indicate that the word terrain refers to the natural features of an area.
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Context Clue #2 — DEFINITION: The unfamiliar word is defined in the same sentence or in a sentence that is close by in the text. This is generally the most helpful type of context clue.
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What does the word refuge mean?
DEFINITION:
- a place where they could be safe
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Context Clues #3 & 4 — ANALOGY (Antonyms/Synonyms): Analogies can help show the relationship between words. An antonym is a word that has an opposite meaning while a synonym is a word that has the same or a similar meaning to another word. Understanding antonyms and synonyms of different words can help clarify their meanings.
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What does the word remorse mean?
ANTONYM
- (...) he was proud of how clever he had been to pull off the scheme (...)
The word proud means feeling pleasure or satisfaction.
The word remorse means guilt or regret.
What does the word stationary means?
The word stationary means "not moving" or "standing still."
6th Grade Reading - Context Clues Lesson