Figuring Out Vocabulary in Context How to Use Context Clues

Often times we can figure out what a word means in the context of a sentence or paragraph by looking at useful pieces of information within the text. Think of the acronym S.A.I.D. SYNONYMS (Similar words) Searching students' lockers without permission is considered by some to be an infringement, or violation of students' rights. I don’t know why you have to be so combative and confrontational with me. I was just asking a question.

Antonyms (opposite words)- these are often times identified by the use of transitional words that show contrast like, ‘ but ’, ‘ unlike, ‘despite’, ’ or ‘ contrary ’ Julia dissented, unlike her parents who agreed and thought that the man was guilty. Luke was moody. He could be elated one minute, but depressed the next.

Information or Definition- many times an unfamiliar word in a sentence is followed by either a brief definition or extra information in a sentence. Sue's boss was a callous man. He did not react to her tears and apologies for making a minor filing error. When Harry's boss went on a maternity leave, Harry became the interim department head. He handled employee payroll for the three months she was away

At the end of each workday, Daniel arranged his papers into neat piles, dusted his computer, and tucked his chair under the desk. He was equally meticulous at home.

Now It’s Your Turn. Decide what each word means and which rule it fits. Since we are uncertain of the weather, the picnic is tentatively planned for Tuesday. Depending on how bad the storm is, the rain will be either advantageous or harmful to our crops. The picnic-goers were disheartened, and disappointed, when last year’s picnic was cancelled. If it rains this year, they will be doubly disappointed. With ominous clouds on the horizon this evening, Tuesday’s picnic seems unlikely.

DO NOW: Identify what sentence type this is to help us identify the word’s meaning. The small Texas school that I attended carried out a tradition every year during the eight grade graduation; a beautiful gold and green jacket, the school colors was awarded to the class valedictorian, the student who had maintained the highest grades for eight years. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so even though we were quite agile and athletic, there would never be a sports school jacket for us.

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Independent Practice: you-read/using-context-clues/activity/1/1 you-read/using-context-clues/activity/1/1