1. AcDv B61: Using Context Clues
Bakersfield College
Jessica Wojtysiak
Spring 2016
AcDv B61: Using Context Clues

2. New Subject
Using Context Clues

3. Example
Most Americans speak only one ___________. Europeans, however, __________ several. As a result, Europeans think __________ are unfriendly and unwilling to communicate with them.

4. Context Clues
Used to figure out the meaning of an unknown word used in a sentence or paragraph.

5. Five Types of Context Clues
Definition
Synonym
Example
Contrast
Inference

6. Definition
Writers often define a difficult word immediately after its introduction, or first use.
Commas are often used to set the definition apart from the rest of the sentence.
Example: What is an oligopoly?

7. Defining Oligopoly
Example: An oligopoly, control of a product by a small number of companies, exists in the long-distance phone market.

8. Synonym
Instead of defining a word, authors may choose to include a better known synonym to describe a difficult term.
Again, this type of hint is often offset by commas.
Example: What is the definition of ambiguous?

9. Defining Ambiguous
The author purposefully left the ending of his novel ambiguous, or unclear, so readers would have to decide for themselves what happened.

10. Example Examples are also often used to explain words.
These examples all share something in common, and that commonality is the meaning of the difficult term.
Example: What is a condiment?

11. Defining Condiments
Most condiments, such as salt, pepper, mustard, and catsup, are used to improve the flavor of foods.

12. Contrast Clues
This type of clues clarifies the meaning of a term by including its opposite within the sentence.
Look for key words like “but” or “whereas” or “yet” to signal the inclusion of a contrasting term after the word.

13. Example: What does morosely mean?
Defining Morosely
Example: What does morosely mean?
The old man acted morosely, but his grandson was very happy and lively.

14. Inference Clues
This involves generally using logic and reasoning to figure out an unknown word.
The author doesn’t give you specific definitional information, but the surrounding words still provide some help.

15. Defining Talisman
What does talisman mean?
Since Reginald was worried, he brought his rabbit’s foot talisman with him to the exam.

16. Let’s Practice!
What are hieroglyphics?
Ancient Egyptians wrote in hieroglyphics – pictures used to represent words.

17. Defining Advocated
The professor advocated testing on animals, but many of his students feel that the practice is cruel.

18. Let’s Do a Quick Review of Page Basics
MLA Format
Let’s Do a Quick Review of Page Basics

19. Big Thirst: Pre-Reading
Name and Background of Author
Date of Publication
Publisher
Number of Pages
Comments of 2 Reviews
Is there a movie?

20. Read The Big Thirst, Chapter 1
Homework
Due Next Class Period
Read The Big Thirst, Chapter 1
Develop a Double-Sided Journal for the chapter