Using Context Clues

1. Using Context Clues To Figure out tough vocabulary

2. Why should I learn this? • Determining the meaning of a word through a context clue is an easy way to help with comprehension. If a student is able to create context clues in his or her writing, identifying context clues in an author’s writing will be simple. This skill can be especially helpful while reading science and social studies texts. • There are 4 main types of context clues.

3. Type 1:Definitions • Some context clues use the definition of the word. It is usually surrounded with commas. • “Don't think of words as separate, discrete items, or entities." • What is the meaning of the word entities? The definition is right there - separate, discrete items. But what is the meaning of discrete? The meaning of that word is right there too--separate

4. Type 2: Opposites • Some context clues use a word or phrase that means the opposite. • I was not exactly enamored of the travel plans my agent made for me; my lack of enthusiasm was triggered by the eight-hour layover required between flights." • What is the meaning of the word enamored? You can use the context of the sentence to reason in this way: Enamored of means just the opposite of lacking in enthusiasm for.

5. Type 3: Examples • Some context clues use an example of a definition. • The professor was a favorite among the students at the college. His sagacity was helpful to them as they pursued their degrees. The professor was known to use his experience, insight, and common sense to help students pursue their education. • What is the meaning of the word sagacity? You can use the context of the sentence to reason in this way: Sagacity means experience, insight, and common sense.

6. Type 4: Punctuation • Sometimes sentences set off the definition for the unknown word by using punctuation clues (dashes, parentheses, brackets, commas). • There is an incertitude—an uncertainty –about when when eyeglasses were first invented. • The addax, a large light colored animal much similar to the antelope, has a pair of spiral horns.

7. Strategies • Step 1: Check for synonyms or definitions embedded right there. If you find a synonym or definition, reread the sentence with the new term keeping that synonym or definition in mind. • Step 2: Check for an antonym clue. If you find one, think about its meaning, actually telling yourself the opposite meaning. Then reread the sentence and rephrase it in your own mind.

8. More Strategies • Step 1: When you read a sentence that you have trouble understanding because of an unfamiliar word in it, reread the sentence and substitute a word that seems to make sense in the context. • Step 2: Read on. If the word you substituted does not make sense in the context of the rest of the paragraph, try again. • Step 3: If the sentence still does not make sense to you and you do not understand the main point the author is making in the paragraph, look for synonym, definition, and antonym clues. If you are still uncertain, check a dictionary.

9. Research shows… • Students who read books at their grade level had a 1 in 20 chance of learning the meaning of any word from context. That might seem insignificant, but if students read 20,000 words a year, and if they learn 1 of every 20 words from context, they would learn 1000 words. That could be done if student s read 30 minutes daily.