Context Clues

1. Context Clues A most important skill to master!

2. The 6 types of Clues PAGERS= Mnemonics (Memory) Device P=punctuation A=antonym G=general sense E=example and definition R=roots, prefixes and suffixes S=synonym

3. Context= the words surrounding the unknown (unfamiliar) word or phrase in the reading selection.

4. Use the Context to help explain the meaning of the word!

5. The runner didn’t like the frigid weather as he was not wearing a coat, scarf or gloves! Frigid?

6. The words surrounding an unknown word or phrase will give you clues to the meaning of the unknown word or phrase. Use those clues!

7. The police searched his house and found an arsenal of weapons including two rifles, a handgun, grenades and plastic explosives. Arsenal?

8. The stench of the dead fish was so bad we had to hold our noses! Stench?

9. The king had reigned over his kingdom for twenty five years. Reigned?

10. The proprietorof the wagon told us he had bought the business a year ago. Proprietor?

11. Roland was so miserlythat he refused to give his sons spending money. Also, to save electricity, he insisted they study by the light of one lamp. Miserly?

12. Cheap, Thrifty, Frugal, Stingy!

13. Eluded? • The thief had eluded the police by hiding in the grave yard. They could not find him!

14. There are 6 types ofContext Clues: • Punctuation • Antonyms • General Sense of the Passage • Example and Definition • Roots, prefixes and suffixes • Synonyms

15. Nuptials (weddings) vary from culture to culture. Nuptials ??

16. Punctuation • Parenthesis: The lair, ( habitat), of the wolf was underground. • Comma, or________, He was bloviating, or lecturing, • That is, ____ She was ready, that is, prepared for the test. Dashes – She was superflous – unnecessary to him.

17. Punctuation • Watch for authors to use punctuation to give you the meaning of the word!

18. Jack was a mediocre, or average, student in all of his subjects. He never did more than what was required. Mediocre?Notice the , or , pattern?

19. Mario was apprehensive, or fearful, of the upcoming test. Apprehensive? (, or ,)

20. Indigent? , that is, poor It is hard to believe that my millionaire cousin was once indigent, that is, so poor he lived on the streets.

21. Clues: , or , , that is , parenthesis dashes

22. I had to delete a lot of information from my report on zoos because it was longer than my teacher wanted it to be. • Delete?

23. Get rid of….. Remove…... Erase…..

24. 2. Antonyms An Antonym is a word that means the oppositeof another word.

25. Antonyms Antonyms are often signaled by words such as however, but, yet, on the other hand, and in contrast.

26. Religions in America are not static; butchanging, especially in this period of shifting values. Static? Changing Antonym

27. In formal communication, be sure to avoid obscure language. Clear language prevents misinterpretation. Obscure? Clear! Antonym

28. While houses and antiques often increase in value, most things such as cars and TV’s depreciate. Increase in Value? Depreciate

29. 3. Example and definition Examples help suggest the meaning of an unknown word or definition.

30. Example The adverseeffects of this drug, including dizziness, nausea, and headaches, have caused it to be withdrawn from the market.

31. Adverse? Harmful or Bad

32. Crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobsters, are often eaten in the east. Crustaceans? Crusty shelled seafood. Examples

33. In biology, we discussed such anomalies as creatures with two heads, or webbed toes. Anomalies? Two heads, Webbed toes strange, or unusual things. Examples

34. Examples • Since my grandfather retired, he has developed several new avocations. For instance, he now enjoys gardening and long-distance bike riding.

35. Examples A=outside of Voc=calling Avocation=Hobbies done outside of your calling or work. Examples=bike riding and gardening are hobbies.

36. General Sense of the Passage Common sense tells you the meaning of the unknown word or phrase. You figure it out!

37. General Sense of the Passage • Michael didn’t want to tell Shankika the entire plot of the movie, so he just gave her the gist of the story. • Gist?

38. Gist?Main idea

39. General Sense • Keep your muddy boots off the sofa or you will sully it. • Sully?

40. Make dirty or to soil the sofa.

41. While Irma’s house is decorated plainly, her clothing is very flamboyant! Flamboyant?

42. General Sense • Despite complaints from parents, educators, and government officials, violence and sex on television goes on unabated.

43. Unabated? Not stopping Unable to be stopped Not changing

44. Today was a day of turmoil at work-the phones were constantly ringing, people were running back and forth, and several offices were being painted. Turmoil?

45. Synonym = • A synonym is a word that means the same or almost the same as the unknown word.

46. All four individuals in the quartet wore red jackets! • Synonym?

47. The doctor assuaged the patient with medicine to soothe the pain and she rested quietly. Assuage? Soothe! Synonym

48. Speaking in front of a class disconcerts Juan. Even answering questions embarrasses him. Disconcerts? Embarrasses! Synonym

49. The earthquake was a calamity! It created huge difficulties and distress for the victims! Calamity? Huge distress! Synonym

50. Synonyms can be swapped for the word they explain.