Context Clues
Context clues - clues or hints in the text that help the reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
There are several types of context clues that an author might use to help the reader determine the meaning of a possibly unfamiliar word, including:
- Definition OR Synonym - usually follows a comma, a dash, or such words as or, is called, that is, in other words, or which means.
- Contrast clues OR Antonyms - show a reader what a word does not mean, because that will help teach what it does mean.
- Examples - sometimes have signals words that tell you an example is coming: such as, including, for instance, to illustrate, are examples of, and for example.
- Description - sometimes readers can find a description of an unknown word in another section/paragraph/sentence of the passage to help clarify it's meaning.
- Inference or Implied Meaning - draw on own knowledge and experience to "piece together" what the word means in the given passage.
Below you find a variety of practice activities for context clues:
Station 2: Context Clues Jeopardy