CONTEXT CLUES

By Nesibe KÖROĞLU TEMEL

 CONTEXT
 the words surrounding the unknown
(unfamiliar) word or phrase in the
reading selection.
 PAGERS
 P=punctuation
 A=antonym
 G=general sense
 E=example and definition
 R=roots, prefixes and suffixes
 S=synonym
 PUNCTUATION
 Parenthesis: The lair (habitat) of the wolf was
underground.
 Comma, (or)________, : He was bloviating, or
lecturing,
 That is, ____ : She was ready, that is, prepared for
the test.
 Dashes – : She was superfluous – unnecessary to
him.
Jack was a mediocre, or average,
student in all of his subjects. He
never did more than what was
required.
Mario was apprehensive, fearful,
of the upcoming test.
It is hard to believe that my
millionaire cousin was once
indigent, that is, so poor he lived
on the streets.
 ANTONYMS
An antonym is a word that means
the opposite of another word.
Antonyms are often signaled by
words such as however, but, yet,
on the other hand, and in
contrast.
Unlike Kyle, who is a conformer
and a follower, Jeremy is a
maverick.
In formal communication, be sure
to avoid obscure language. Clear
language prevents
misinterpretation.
Unlike Jamaal’s room, which was
immaculate, Jeffrey’s room was
very messy.
 GENERAL SENSE
Common sense tells you the
meaning of the unknown word or
phrase.
You figure it out by making
inferences!
Walt’s pugnacious behavior in the
boxing ring made his opponent
back down.
Keep your muddy boots off the
sofa or you will sully it.
Despite complaints from parents,
educators, and government
officials, violence and sex on
television goes on unabated.
EXAMPLES AND DEFINITIONS

 The unfamiliar word is directly defined in

the sentence in which it appears.
 Definitions are usually set off by commas
or dashes, and may include the use of the
words, as, or, that is, and in other words.
 Examples are often introduced with signal
words and phrases like for example, for
instance, including, and such as.
The arbitrator, the neutral person
chosen to settle the dispute,
arrived at her decision.
The ranivorous hawk, an animal
that eats frogs, is found in central
and eastern Africa.
The adverse effects of this drug,
including dizziness, nausea, and
headaches, have caused it to be
withdrawn from the market.
 Crustaceans, such as shrimp and
lobsters, are often eaten in the
east.
ROOTS, PREFIXES, AND SUFFIXES

 Break down the different parts of a word –

base word (word stem or root word),
prefixes, and suffixes – to figure out what it
means.
 Some words have a prefix only (reread), a
suffix only (reading), both a prefix and a
suffix (prereading), a combination
(unreadableness), or neither (read).
Discrimination
 Dis-: not, opposite of, reverse,
deprive of; apart, away
 crimin: verdict, judicial decision;
judgment
 tion: indicates the word is a noun
 SYNONYMS
A synonym is a word that means
the same or almost the same as
the unknown word.
 All four individuals in the quartet
wore red jackets.
Managers should be careful not to
have opponents work together;
adversaries often do not cooperate
well.
In class, Julia was so
cantankerous that her grumpy
behavior negatively affected
everyone.
 EXERCISES
There are several gambits used to
meet women, such as “What sign
are you?” or “How do you like
this place?” and “You remind me
of someone.”
gambits?
conversation starters or pick up lines
 While his physique is not
important, his income is! I do not
care if his body is well muscled as
long as he brings home a good
check each week.
physique?
physical appearance
 Many people have a fear of the
number 13, or triskaidekaphobia.
How did the trepidation come
about over this number?
triskaidekaphobia?
trepidation?
fear of number 13
fear
 The Sailors unloaded the pinnace
from its hinges and lowered it into
the water. They were afraid to go
into the ocean in the pinnace but
the captain forced them into it.
pinnace?
small boat
 Since it was raining outside, I
used my bumbershoot to keep
from getting wet.

bumbershoot?
umbrella
 Usually she is so honest and
truthful. Today, though, she spoke
with such mendacity.

mendacity?
untruthfulness
 We could tell by the rotten smell,
that something putrid was in our
garbage can.

putrid?
decaying or rotting and emitting a fetid smell
 When it was proven the senator
had taken a bribe, he relinquished
his position in Congress. He
believed it was best for the
country to give up his job.
relinquish?
give up
 Mary always brought a sense of
serenity home with her because of
her calm ways, while Max
brought a sense of chaos with
him.
serenity?
the state of being calm
 There were many diminutive
items in the dollhouse including
tiny chairs, petite beds, and little
pictures.
diminutive?

extremely or unusually small

 Marty is gregarious, not like his
brother who is quiet and shy.

gregarious?

sociable
 Although some men are
loquacious, others hardly talk at
all.

loquacious?
talkative