Using Context Clues

Context Clues When you use clues in a text to figure out the meaning of a new word.

Types of Signals Writers often help readers with new or unfamiliar words by giving clues through the use of: punctuation marks special “signal” words or whole sentences which form a “context” that can define words.

Punctuation Marks Commas, dashes, and parentheses are sometimes followed by a synonym (a word that has the same meaning), a short definition, an example, or a restatement of the word to help the reader.

Commas, Dashes, and Parentheses Examples: Neve, glacial snow, is common in Antarctica. Advertisers often take a poll---interview people---about a new product. The maestro (conductor) of the St. Louis Orchestra entered the concert hall.

Signal Words These words signal a definition, example, or synonym : or, such as, for example, especially, like, that is, and in other words.

Examples: In New Orleans, people drink a strong coffee served in demitasse or half size cups. Pearls are found in mollusks like oysters. Signal Words

Context of the Text Sometimes the reader must play detective, putting together clues from the surrounding sentences and making an intelligent “guess” as to the definition of a word.

Example: The children were so fatigued from their all day hike that they could hardly eat their dinner. They dragged their bodies to the dinner table and almost fell asleep in their plates! Context of the Text

Practice On a sheet of paper use context clues to determine the meaning of the following words.

1.The sick man drank the elixir (medication) and almost instantly became better! 2.Mom drained the spaghetti in the colander or strainer before adding the sauce. 3.Some crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobsters, can be eaten. 4. The judge’s verdict---decision--was anxiously awaited by everyone in the courtroom.

5. The new annex to the school housed a swimming pool and an immense gym. 6. The orator walked onto the stage, placed his notes on the podium, and adjusted the microphone as he looked at the audience. 7. Sam did such a laudable job of fixing his father’s car that his uncle hired him as a full time mechanic at his garage this summer!

Answers 1. Medicine or medication; clues are the parentheses ( ) around the synonym. 2.Strainer; clue is the word or before a synonym. 3. Sea creature with a hard exoskeleton; Clues are the words such as followed by examples.

Answers continued 4. Decision or judgement; clues are the dashes before and after the synonym. 5.An addition to a building; clues are the words new, and housed. 6.Speaker; clues are the words stage, podium, microphone, and audience. 7. Admirable; clues are hired, full time mechanic, and fixing.