1. Marlins
Language Arts
Context Clues
Revised 03/25/2012

2. [.a- Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.]
Common Core Standard
LACC.6.L.3.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibility from a range of strategies.
[.a- Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.]

3. Context means “The words and sentences that come before and after a specific word and help to explain its meaning.” - Writer's Choice glossary.

4. How can you learn the meaning of a new word
How can you learn the meaning of a new word? You could look in a dictionary. You could ask a friend or a parent. But sometimes the dictionary doesn't have the word listed or so many definitions to choose from for the word that you still don't know the meaning. Friends and family may not know or have the wrong understanding of what the meaning really is.
What to do?
Use CONTEXT CLUES!

5. that is in other words which means Like such as for example including
There are two types of specific context clues and the general context clue.
Specific context clues may be definition or example.
Definition Clue- The meaning of the unfamiliar word is given in the sentence.
Clue Words for a Definition Clue might include:
that is in other words which means
Example Clue- The meaning of the unfamiliar word is explained by familiar examples.
Clue words for the example might include
Like such as for example including

6. General Context types do not have special clue words
General Context types do not have special clue words. However you can carefully read and think about details in the sentences that come before and after the sentence containing the unfamiliar word.
Look at the following sentences:
Andrea carefully mixed several pigments with an oil base to produce just he right colors. Then she began her painting.
If the word pigments is unfamiliar could you guess the meaning of the word?
The sentences tell us that after she mixed the pigments with an oil base she got the right colors. She then painted. A reasonable assumption is that pigments are agents or ingredients to add color to the oil base.

7. Now it is YOUR turn! Answer the Review questions and measure how well you know Context Clues.