Vocabulary Using context clues

Context Clues 6 main types Definition Restatement Example Comparison Contrast Inference

Signaled words or phrases 1. Definition Signaled words or phrases Or Which is Also called/also known as That is In other words

Definition Our teacher received a small stipend, or payment, for giving travel lectures to local clubs. Signal word – or Gives you enough info to understand Stipend = payment To fully understand, check the dictionary

Definition Stipend = payment (context clues) Stipend: a payment made from an allotment of money set aside for a particular purpose, most often for services beyond a person’s regular job duties. (dictionary)

2. Restatement Provides words or phrases that are another way of saying the definition Example: The company did a lucrative business last year; sales and profits doubled. Lucrative = profitable

Restatement Complete your examples… 1-6

3. Example Provides examples Determine category Signaled words or phrases Such as/Like For example/For instance Other Especially This/These

Example The governor asked that farmers make use of all arable land such as corn and wheat fields. What do corn and wheat have in common? Crops raised in fields Arable = land that can grow crops

Example Complete your sentences…7-12

4. Comparison Gives you clues As Like Similar to Also Related to In the same way

Comparison Look for what is compared (use clues) Identify characteristic of word you know Apply characteristic to new word Define new word

The tawny dog, as golden as a lion, startled us. Comparison The tawny dog, as golden as a lion, startled us. Comparing dog to lion (signal word as) Lion is gold Dog must be gold Tawny = golden

Comparison Exercise time…do 13-18

5. Contrast Differences Signal clues: But Unlike Although On the contrary Even though However

Contrast Look for difference (signal clues) Find characteristic of word you know That characteristic NOT true for new word Define new word

Contrast The judge was unwilling to give a harsh punishment to the defendant since he was so young; however, he was hesitant to give a punishment that showed too much clemency in the case. Clemency = mildness or compassion

Contrast Your turn…do 19-24

6. Inference Isn’t directly stated Look at details & add them up While exploring the ancient pyramids in Egypt, the scientist discovered the mummy of a king buried in a sarcophagus with elaborate designs.

Inference While exploring the ancient pyramids in Egypt, the scientist discovered the mummy of a king buried in a sarcophagus with elaborate designs. Sarcophagus = coffin used in ancient times for burying the dead

Inference Your turn…finish 25-30