Context Clues The Key to Vocabulary

What are Context Clues? They are signal words Words, phrase, or sentences around an unfamiliar word Used to give insight into what an unknown word might mean

5 Types

Restatement Clues Words or phrases that define an unfamiliar word or restate its meaning in different terms Example: The dried rose was as fragile as a butterfly’s wings. In other words, its delicate petals can be damaged easily. What does fragile mean? What clues give it away? In other words…

Example Clues Examples sometimes give us clues to what words mean. If an unfamiliar word means a certain type of thing, action, or characteristic, examples of the type can be excellent clues to the word’s meaning. Example: When our neighbors travel, they always look for comfortable accommodations, such as a beach cottage, hotel suite, or mountain cabin. What does the word mean? What clues give it away? Such as…

Contrast/Antonym Clues Look for words or phrases that are the opposite of a word’s meaning. Example: Knowledge is a remedy for many environmental problems, but knowledge without action cannot cure the ills. What does the word mean? What clues give it away? But…

Keyword Clues Look for words or phrases that modify or are related to the unfamiliar word. Example: The two characters in my story believe it is their destiny to be enemies. Their elders have taught them that this is meant to be. What does the word mean? What clues give it away? Meant to be…

Definition/Explanation Clues A sentence may actually define or explain an unfamiliar word. Example: Alan will help the woman once she escapes and becomes a fugitive from her troubled country. What does the word mean? What clues give it away? Escapes…

Run and Flowers Vocabulary From the stories: “Raymond’s Run” and “Mrs. Flowers”

1. Aura Context: The cottages are built of wonderful honey- toned stone, and the whole village exudes an aura of charm and relaxed timelessness. What does it mean What gives it away? Definition: a distinctive quality

2. Encourage Context: Squeaky can’t believe that schools encourage things like the Hansel and Gretel pageant when there are better things students can do. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: to inspire with confidence

3. Glockenspiels Context: The band members play glockenspiels, drums, and flutes. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: a musical instrument composed of a set of graduated steel bars mounted in a frame and struck with hammers, used especially in bands.

4. Grateful Context: Squeaky thinks people just aren’t grateful, or thankful, to each other. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: thankful

5. Infuse Context: When Mrs. Flowers read aloud, she could infuse the words with great meaning. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: fill

6. Illiteracy Context: Mrs. Flowers said we should be understanding of illiteracy because many slaves were not taught how to read or write. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: inability to read or write

7. Intolerant Context: Mrs. Flowers was intolerant of rudeness and ignorance; she simply ignored those kinds of people. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: unwilling to accept something

8. Liable Context: Raymond is liable to fits of fantasy being that he is always in a world of his own. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: susceptible

9. Organdy Context: Squeaky won’t wear an organdy dress for May Pole dancing because the fabric is too puffy. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: a fine, thin cotton fabric usually having a durable crisp finish, white, dyed, or printed: used for blouses, dresses, curtains, trimmings, etc.

10. Prodigy Context: Cynthia Procter acts as if she’s a prodigy or genius. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: genius

11. Psyching Context: Raphael Perez wins races by psyching the runners, or shaking their confidence. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: shaking someone’s confidence

12. Sidekick Context: Mary Louise is a sidekick of Gretchen because the two are always together. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: partner

13. Standstill Context: Raymond brings his imaginary mule team to a standstill, or halt. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: halt or stop

14. Static Context: Static interferes with the voice on the loudspeaker making it hard to hear. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: noise that interferes

15. Subject Context: Some people are subject, or likely, to make fun of Raymond. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: likely

16. Taut Context: Though she was thin, Mrs. Flowers skin was not taut because she had wrinkles everywhere. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: tightly stretched

17. Uptight Context: When they walk down the street, Squeaky’s antics make her mother uptight and uncomfortable. What does it mean? What gives it away? Definition: tense or angry