Context Clues

Day 1
TODAY'S DISCUSSION
CONTEXT CLUES
- Definition
- Uses
- Types of Clues
 What are
Context Clues?
 Context and Clue
Context - the parts of a discourse
that surround a word or passage
and can throw light on its
meaning
(Merriam-Webster dictionary)
 Context and Clue

Clue - something that guides

through an intricate procedure
or maze of difficulties
(Merriam-Webster dictionary)
 Context Clues
are hints found in within
sentences, paragraphs, or
passages that readers can use
to understand meanings of new
or unfamiliar words
 Context Clues

a practical way of building

one’s vocabulary especially
when a dictionary is not
accessible
 Remember!
Context clues can be best relied on
when:
There is an obvious meaning within
the text; and
Only a general sense of the
meaning is needed by the reader
 Remember!
And not when…
Clues suggest several possible definitions;
Too much of nearby words are unfamiliar;
and
The unknown word is a common one and
will be needed again
**In these cases, it is better to consult a
dictionary.
 Types of Context Clues:

Definition/Description Clue
the new/unfamiliar word may be
defined or described within the text
clues: “that is”, commas, dashes,
and parentheses
 Example:
To predict the future, that is, to
declare future events in advance, is
not something anyone can do.

This virus had already caused a lot

of fatalities–deaths–in the past
months.
Synonym/Restatement Clue

the meaning of the unknown word

may be discovered through a
repeated idea expressed in nearby
words (synonym)
 Example:
Carl dozed off during classes again.
He can really sleep anywhere!

That girl is bold—she was fearless in

all the challenges.
Contrast/Antonym Clue

the unknown word may be given

meaning because of a given
antonym (word in having opposite
meaning) inside the text
 Example:
Sam and Fred, though twins are different from
one another. Fred is extremely talkative while
Sam is very much reserved. (reserved -
silent)
The Sta. Ana’s family has changed. Before, they
used to keep their blessings to themselves; but
now, they treat everyone with generosity.
(generosity - being generous, kind, or giving)
Example Clue

sometimes, an example may also

be found nearby the unfamiliar
word
 Example:
My dog likes to wander. Yesterday, I found
him in our basement and I have no idea
how it got there. (wander - travel around)

That girl seems a little peculiar. I saw her

talking to thin air a while ago. (peculiar -
out of the ordinary)
Thank you!