Unlocking Word Meanings

1. Unlocking Word Meanings Using Clues

2. Coming Across Unfamiliar Words • What tools can you use? • Dictionary (online or hardcopy) • Word Parts • Context Clues

3. Word Parts The athletes are expected to be ready for a postgame interview after the championship game. What’s the word part we recognize? What does it mean? What can we INFER that ‘postgame means’ then?

4. Context Clues • Context clues refer to the words or sentences before or after an unknown word that can help explain what that word means. • They can be grouped into difference types!

5. Clue #1: Definitions or Restatements • A direct definition • The building was designed in the form of a hexagon, a shape having six sides and angles. • Restating the meaning in easy-to-understand words. • The snowstorm in June was a real anomaly: nothing like that had ever happened before. SIGNAL WORDS: which is, that is, or, in other words, also known as, also called

6. Clue #2: Examples • There might be a list following the word. • There may be one good example described. • The percussion instruments in the orchestra include various kinds of drums, and also cymbals, bells and the gong. SIGNAL WORDS: like, including, such as, for example, for instance, especially, other, this, these, these include

7. Clue #3: Comparison • Familiar words are compared with the word in question (or the tricky word). • Note the similarities to build an idea about what the unknown word means. • Jeff’s compassion for the earthquake victims, like his feelings of sorrow for the homeless, shows that he cares about others. SIGNAL WORDS: like, as, in the same way, similar to, resembling, likewise, similarly, also, identical, related.

8. Clue #4: Contrast • Contrast shows something that means the opposite. • Usually a phrase that is easily understood is used in the comparison. • I thought she would be clumsy with the tools during her first day on the job, but she handled them with great dexterity. SIGNAL WORDS: but, although, on the contrary, on the other hand, unlike, in contrast to, instead, different, however

9. Clue #5: Cause and Effect • A cause of an action might be stated in an unfamiliar word, but the effect might stated in a familiar word, or vice versa. • Because the old building had become dilapidated, we had to spend a lot of time and money on repairs. SIGNAL WORDS: because, since, consequently, therefore, so, as a result

10. Clue #6: Inferences • Look within the paragraph, not just the sentence. • Draw a conclusion using our ‘inference formula.’ • What the Text tells you + what you know = Inference Roy used to be a pugnacious character, but over the years he seems to have mellowed. He has more self-confidence now and doesn’t need to prove himself all the time. But when I first knew him, he seemed to have a chip on his shoulder—he was always itching for a fight.

11. On Your Own The following sentences use context clues to help readers understand the meaning of a tough word that is italicized. Read the sentences and answer the questions below each one to make an educated guess on the meaning of the bolded word. Use your notes from the other side of this sheet to help you out in finding signal words. • The teacher said that belligerent actions, such as punching and shoving, would not be permitted. • List any signal words. If none, write ‘none.’ __________________________ • Type of context clue ______________________________ • What do you think belligerent means? _____________________________