1. PRACTICE WITH CONTEXT CLUES!
A 21 ITEM
SAMPLING OF
MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRACTICE WITH CONTEXT CLUES!
COMMON CORE STANDARDS:
R.L. 6.4, 7.4, 8.4
L. 6.4, 7.4, 8.4

2. The words selected for this power point are those for 6th -8th levels (as indicated on the previous slide with Common Core Standards). There are 21 word study/context clue slides for use for an introduction to the study of context clues, one for each of the 7 types of context clues for each grade level in order from 6th grade level words to 7th then to 8th.
The answers/context clues slide is at the end for all 21 slides. You may print the slide so that when you go over the answers and discuss, it will be handy.
I have 3 other context clues power points one for each grade level containing 50 items each. I also have a set of worksheets as another product. Thank you for selecting this free power point.
—Mama Flanders

3. Therefore the word ”dependable” means “not able to depend on.”
CONTEXT CLUE #1
Sometimes you can take the words apart. Maybe there’s a prefix, suffix, or root (part of the word) that you recognize.
Example: Marion may not show up for basketball practice. She can be undependable.
Of course, you recognize the word “depend” and the prefix “un” which means not, and the suffix “able” which means able to.
Therefore the word ”dependable” means “not able to depend on.”

4. The word “jeopardize” means “to hinder.”
CONTEXT CLUE #2
Sometimes an author will use a synonym close by the word. You recognize that because the author will have “a” or “or” or commas surrounding the synonym.
Example: Frank did his chores. He wanted nothing to jeopardize, hinder, his meeting his friends tonight.
The word “jeopardize” means “to hinder.”

5. CONTEXT CLUE #3
Authors use antonyms sometimes. The author will have “not,” “rather,” “or,” “nor,” “yet,” or other words distinguishing the difference between two words.
Example: You are to paint the exterior, not the interior, of the house.
(In other words “exterior” is the opposite of “interior”, so it must mean “outside”.)

6. (The word “deadlocked” must mean “came to a standstill.”
CONTEXT CLUE #4
They also use contrast which is similar to antonyms but there might be several sentences of contrast. Clue words introducing contrasts include “instead,” “but,” “on the other hand,” “however,” “though,” and others.
Example: The team became deadlocked, but with more hours of discussion they came up with a plan.
(The word “deadlocked” must mean “came to a standstill.”

7. Example: Because she was so modest, she went unnoticed at the party.
CONTEXT CLUE #5
Authors use cause and effect too. Clue words include “because,” “so,” “since,” therefore,” “then,” or “as a result of.”
Example: Because she was so modest, she went unnoticed at the party.
The word “modest” must have something to do with being unnoticed.

8. The word “quod” must be another word for “prison.”
CONTEXT CLUE #6
The use of sequence helps to identify the word meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Example: In Great Britain we call that place a quod, a prison, or a jail cell.
The word “quod” must be another word for “prison.”

9. CONTEXT CLUE #7
The mood and tone of the character helps to suggest the meaning of a word.
Example: The soldier had committed a crime, so he was discharged from the navy.
The word “discharged” must have a negative meaning (connotation) since “committing a crime” has a negative mood/tone.

10. Please take out a piece of paper and number as far as your teacher instructs. (It could be to the end of the power point if there’s enough time That would be 21.) Select your choice for an answer.

11. 1. The teacher asked all students to contribute their ideas for consideration or we would not have anything to discuss.
A. To write down B. to allow C. to furnish

12. 2. Sit up, Sam! Do not slouch.
A. drooping posture B. yawn C. cheat

13. 3. Students who are honest, reliable, and hard-working do well in their classes.
A. alert B. able to depend on C. caring

14. 4. One regulation is to park our cars in the other lot
4. One regulation is to park our cars in the other lot. That rule allows for customer parking close by the businesses.
A. irritation B. rule or law C. problem

15. 5. I paved the parking lot. Now, we must wait until it dries.
covered the surface of B. painted the top C. cured it

16. 6. The red clay dirt was dense, not easily workable
6. The red clay dirt was dense, not easily workable. I could not plant in that area.
wet and soggy B. mostly sand
C. packed tightly together

17. 7. Placing all twenty pencils in a basket made them more portable.
easily carried B. a landing
C. able to be locked

18. 8. It is required that all tests be turned in simultaneously, at exactly the same time.
A. in a few minutes B. to the teacher C. occurring at the same time

19. 9. When the edge of the knife becomes blunt, not sharp, you can borrow my tool.
A. chipped B. dull C. razor sharp

20. 10. Young Man, if you are tardy once more, you will pay the price!
coming to school B. late
C. paying a better price

21. 11. If the client asks for a better price, tell him I will think about it.
A. customer B. guest C. chef

22. 12. My job as your troop leader is to give you guidance, support, and character-building activities.
A. hope B. direction C. faith

23. 13. The wall color was subtle; I wanted bold colors like gold and red.
A. bright B. child-like C. delicate, faint

24. 14. The doctor called in my mother’s prescription.
doctor’s bill
B. written order for medicine
C. a personal note

25. 15. You can purchase jewelry that is invaluable, adequate, or even inexpensive.
A. precious B. clunky C. cheap

26. 16. Of course, the hurricane could devastate our city, but we remain optimistic.
A. confused B. scared C. hopeful

27. 17. If you show him that you are vulnerable, the tiger will surely attack you.
A. strong B. weak C. friendly

28. 18. Disrupting the class once more, are you
18. Disrupting the class once more, are you? Jason, a demerit is in my hand!
making it to B. studying with
C. interrupting

29. 19. The student’s project was unattractive to anyone’s eyes.
not pleasing B. not original
C. without color

30. 20. Her wedding gown was exquisite! Look at all the detail.
too extreme B. simply made
C. elaborately made

31. 21. The student did not conform to conventional behavior
21. The student did not conform to conventional behavior. His behavior was not acceptable.
generally accepted B. not approved
C. wild

32. Now it is time to swap and grade your answers
Now it is time to swap and grade your answers. Follow your teacher’s instructions to do so.