Understanding Vocabulary through Context Clues
Learn how to decipher unfamiliar words by identifying context clues such as definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and comparisons. Examples and visual aids demonstrate how these clues help in understanding the meaning of unknown words in sentences.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Definition / Main Idea Definition Clue Words The author provides a definition of an unknown word in the sentence. The word is usually a familiar word or phrase. is / are is / are called was /were means refers to
Example: Definition Context Clue Entomologyis the study of insects. Martha is a curator, a person who is responsible for looking after a museum s collection. Haberdasheryis a store that sells men s clothing, they are becoming more common today.
Synonym or Restatement Clue Words Definition The author uses a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as the unknown word. Sometimes the unfamiliar word is separated from the rest of the sentence with commas, dashes, or parentheses. sometimes or that is in other words
Example: Synonym or Restatement Meat eaters, that is carnivores, are at the top of the food chain. The goslings---those fuzzy baby geese--- waddled after their mother. She enjoyed biology(the study of living things).
Antonym or Contrast Definition Clue Words But The author uses another word or phrase that is different or means the opposite of an unfamiliar word. However Although Otherwise Not Instead On the other hand While
Examples: Antonym or Contrast Mike s parrot was loquacious but Maria s said very little. Emma had a lot of anxietyabout the exam but I had no worries about it. Marty is gregarious, notlike his borther who is quiet and shy.
Comparison Definition Clue Words The comparison clues, the author uses words and phrases that have the same or similar meaning as an unfamiliar word. too like / also as just as similar to or in the same way
Examples: Comparison My brother is enthralledby birds similar to the way that I am fascinated by insects. Eating nutritiousfood is just as important as regular exercise. Kari s happy face was luminous, likethe rays of the sun.
Example Definition Clue Words The author provides additional explanations or summaries to help you understand an unfamiliar word. for instance such as for example such as specifically to illustrate
Examples: Example The team was elated when they won the trophy. The archeologist found different amulets, such as a rabbit s foot and bags of herbs, near the ancient alter. His constant questioning of my remarks made him a nuisance.
List or Series Definition Clue The unfamiliar word is included in a series of related words that give an idea of the word s meaning. commas in a series look for a list of words
Examples: List or Series North American predators include grizzly bears, pumas, wolves, and foxes. The debrisin the stadium stands included lots of paper cups, ticket stubs, and sandwich wrapping.
Cause & Effect Definition Clue Words because, since The meaning of an unfamiliar word is signaled by a cause- and-effect relationship of ideas in a text. as a result for this reason if then consequently accordingly
Examples: Cause & Effect Since no one came to the first meeting, the attendance for the second one is mandatory for everyone. Due to a dearthof termites, the aardvark starved to death.
Description or Inference Definition Clues Look for clues over several words or sentences The meaning of an unfamiliar word can be inferred from the description of a situation.
Examples: Description or Inference The monkeys vociferous chatter made me wish I had earplugs. All animals share the same vital needs, such as food, water, and shelter. Katie s belligerencesurprised everyone. She threw her book across the room, glared at Chris, and then pushed him to the floor.
