Context Clues

Synonyms Definition: words that have the same or nearly the same meaning Examples: resolute-determined joyous – glad desist– stop repast – meal

Example Example: The story he told was credible. Nancy had no trouble believing him. Synonym: _______________________

Antonyms/Contrast Clues Definition: words that have an opposite meaning Signal words: but however although not still despite on the other hand some…but others in contrast Examples: small-large foolish – wise smooth - rough tired – rested clean - dirty

Contrast Clues Here the water is shallow, but a few feet out it is quite deep. Antonym:_______________________

Denotation Definition: the exact meaning from a dictionary Example: The food is edible, so it is fit for humans to eat. Denotation: _______________________

Example Clues Definition: words or phrases that indicate to readers that an unfamiliar word is being restated in more familiar terms. Signal words: for example such as in that likewise especially

Example Clue George likes to behave badly in class; for example, he yelled across the room to ask for a pencil. Example:____________________________ __

Cause/Effect Definitions: words or phrases that show how one word may be a reason for a result. Words that show cause and effect are because so that consequently since therefore as a result why for this reason determines leads to effect cause

Cause and Effect Example: He was so embarrassed by his wrong answers on the test that he answered the teacher’s questions timidly. Cause:___________________________ Effect: ___________________________ Definition of timidly: _________________

Restatement Clues Definition: words or phrases that give the same idea in a different way. Signal words: in other words that is these

Restatement Clues Example: The veterinarian treated every animal owner in an affable manner: in other words, she was gentle and friendly with them. Restated section:_________________________

Vocabulary Week One (9/14-9/18)

Context Definition: the circumstances that form the setting of an event Sentence Example: When you do not know a word, use the context of the word to identify the definition; the surrounding text should help you.

Subjective Definition: based on or influenced by a person’s feelings or point of view Sentence Example: Analyzing literature can be subjective because people may have differing opinions about what a passage in a text means.

Objective Definition: not dependent on a person’s point of view Sentence Example: News reporters often try to be objective: They leave their opinions out of their writing.

Perception Definition: the way one understands the world through the senses Sentence Example: Your perception of school may be different from your friend’s because you have had different experiences in your classes.

Discern Definition: to separate one thing from another Sentence Example: Our senses, like sight and touch, help us discern what is real and what is not real.

Confirm Definition: to establish the truth or correctness of something Sentence Example: The doctor’s office called to confirm your appointment for tomorrow afternoon.

Reality Definition: the quality of being true to life Sentence Example: On the surface, the couple’s relationship looked perfect; however, in reality, the two had many disagreements.

Comprehend Definition: to grasp mentally; understand Sentence Example: In order for me to comprehend the passage, I had to read it twice.

Concrete Definition: something specific or tangible Sentence Example: They could not convict her without concrete evidence; the rumors were not enough.

Differentiate Definition: to distinguish between Sentence Example: My mother often struggles to differentiate between my two brothers’ voices when she talks to them on the phone.

Evaluate Definition: to determine the worth of something Sentence Example: Athletes are evaluated by their ability to stay physically fit.

Evidence Definition: information that indicates whether something is true or valid Sentence Example: If you want me to take your side in this debate, you must support your ideas with evidence.

Improbable Definition: not likely to happen or be true Sentence Example: Snow in July is an improbable scenario.

Uncertainty Definition: inability to be sure Sentence Example: The uncertainty of my test grade caused me to be nervous because I had not studied. 27

References http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1qBfouxIQAM/TSKtj5w5kyI/AAAAAAAAAgM/clzUs33NrSg/s1600/Gina+Choices+Clip+Art.jpg http://images.clipartpanda.com/perception-clipart-canstock8388447.jpg http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/yco/7zj/yco7zjMcE.png http://bvsd.org/curriculum/healthed/PublishingImages/check%20list%20clip%20art.gif