Infer the meaning of unfamiliar words using text clues

Part of reading comprehension involves using the other words in a sentence or passage to
understand an unknown word. An author often includes hints, or clues, to help the reader expand
vocabulary and grasp the meaning of the passage. Skill in using context clues enables a reader to
comprehend advance texts.

The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers or it may follow in
the next sentence. Because most of our vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that
we are able to recognize and take advantage of context clues.

Context Clues are hints that the author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word. The clue
may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in a
preceding sentence. Because most of your vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important
that you be able to recognize and take advantage of context clues.

Types of context clues. There are at least four kinds of context clues that are quite common.

A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence.

Synonym My opponent's argument is fallacious, misleading – plain wrong.

A word or group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of
an unknown term.
Antonym
Although some men are loquacious, others hardly talk at all.

The unknown word is explained within the sentence or in a sentence immediately

preceding.

Explanation The patient is so somnolent that she requires medication to help her stay awake
for more than a short time.

Specific examples are used to define the term.

Example
Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable
laws.

Read the following sentences and define the bolded word based on the context clue. Then
identify which of the four types of clues is used.
 1. The girl who used to be very vociferous doesn't talk much anymore.
2. Pedagogical institutions, including high schools, kindergartens, and colleges, require
community support to function efficiently.
3. He was so parsimonious that he refused to give his own sons the few pennies they needed
to buy pencils for school. It truly hurt him to part with his money.
4. His pertinacity, or stubbornness, is the cause of most of his trouble.
5. Rather than be involved in clandestine meetings, they did everything quite openly.
6. Ecclesiastics, such as priests, ministers, and pastors, should set models of behavior for
their congregants.
7. The girl was churlish – rude, sullen and absolutely ill-mannered.
8. Because the conflagration was aided by wind, it was so destructive that every building in
the area was completely burned to the ground. excerpted from Irwin L.
Joffe's Opportunity for Successful Reading, 3rd ed., 153-55

ANSWER KEY TO CONTEXT CLUES HANDOUT

1. Type of Context Clue -contrast

definition of vociferous -talkative; outspoken

2. Type of Context Clue -example

definition pedagogical -having to do with teaching

3. Type of Context Clue -explanation

definition of parsimonious -  stingy; tightfisted

4. Type of Context Clue -synonym

definition of pertinacity -mulish; stubborn

5. Type of Context Clue - contrast

definition of clandestine - secret; hidden

6. Type of Context Clue - example

definition of ecclesiastics -  member of the clergy

7. Type of Context Clue - synonym

definition of sullen -rude

8. Type of Context Clue -explanation

definition of conflagration -fire