1. Context Clues
You be the Detective!

2. TODAY YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:
Figure out the meaning of words from their use in a sentence
Use four types of context clues

3. Context Clues – What Are They?
Context clues are bits of information from the text that, when combined with prior knowledge, allow you to decide the meaning of unknown words in the story or article you are reading.
As a reader you must act similar to a detective and put together clues from sentences surrounding an unknown word in order to make an intelligent “guess” as to what the definition of a word is.

4. Still Wondering What a Context Clue Is?
View this video!

5. TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES DEFINITION SYNONYM/RESTATEMENT EXAMPLE
CONTRAST/ ANTONYM
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

6. Definition Context Clues
Definition context clues are words that say, “Stop - don’t touch that dictionary. The definition of the word you don’t know is right here in the text!"
EXAMPLES:
There are many theories, or ideas, about what made the Ice Ages happen.
In this sentence the word “ideas” tells us that theories are different thoughts people have about something.
After a time, glaciers, or slowly moving rivers of ice, formed over many parts of the Earth.
In this sentence the words “slowly moving rivers of ice” tell us what glaciers are.

7. Synonym Context Clues
Synonym context clues are words around a difficult word that mean the same or nearly the same as the word.
EXAMPLES:
After seeing the picture of the starving children, we felt compassion, or pity, for their suffering.
In this sentence the word “pity” tells us that compassion means to have understanding for.
Mary admonished her students and they knew they were in hot water for their actions.
In this sentence the words “in hot water” tell us that admonished means cautioned or scolded.

8. Restatement Context Clues
Restatement context clues are close to synonym. Restatement differs in that difficult word is usually restated in a simpler form—usually set off by commas.
Example:
The poetry was sublime, lofty and moving, and brought tears to my eyes.
In this sentence the words “lofty and moving” and “brought tears to my eyes” tells us that sublime means inspiring.

9. Example Context Clues
Example context clues are specific instances or examples that clarify a word’s meaning.
EXAMPLE:
Forest floors are frequently covered with fungi—molds, mushrooms, and mildews.
In this sentence the words “molds, mushrooms, and mildews” are of fungi.

10. Contrast/Antonym Context Clues
Contrast/Antonym context clues are words around a difficult word that mean the opposite or nearly the opposite as the word.
EXAMPLE:
Joe was reluctant to take the job of captain of the team. He was afraid that the time it would take would hurt his grades. On the other hand, Billy was eager for the chance to be the team captain.
In this sentence the words “on the other hand” and “eager” tell us that Billy feels the opposite of Joe, therefore, reluctant means uncertain or cautious.

11. LEARNING STYLE TIPS Auditory learner: Reading the context aloud
Visual learner: Visualizing the context
Are you an auditory learner or a visual learner?
Copyright 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers

12. Let’s see if you have been paying attention!
Quiz Time!
Let’s see if you have been paying attention!

13. Directions
On each slide there will be a short paragraph with 1 word in bold.
Use the context clues to determine the meaning of the word.
I will not tell you if it is a synonym, antonym, or direct definition context clue.

14. Question 1
Joan loves to buy exotic foods: vegetables and herbs from China, spices from India, olives from Greece, and cheeses from France.
A. expensive
B. seasonings
C. rare
D. from other places

15. Question 2
At first, the surgery seemed to be successful. But several hours later, the patient’s condition began to deteriorate, and it continued to worsen over the next few days.
A. stabilize
B. surprise
C. decay or decline
D. everyone change

16. Question 3
Raul is an indulgent father. For instance, he lets his daughter stay up as late as she likes and he never insists that she does her homework.
A. lenient and tolerant
B. stupid and kind
C. strict and mean
D. lazy  and caring

17. Question 4
The decision Veronica made to study instead of going out for pizza with her friends was prudent. She got an A on the exam, while her friends all got D’s.
A. anti-social
B. careful and wise
C. selfish
D. calculating

18. Question 5
Ivan is a wonderful piano player. But Jerri is more versatile; she sings, acts, paints and writes poetry, and also plays the piano.
A. talented
B. many abilities
C. superior skills
D. show off

19. Great Job!