Find words using context

Key Notes:

Understanding Context:

• Definition: Context is the information surrounding a word or phrase that helps determine its meaning.
• Importance: Context clues help us understand unfamiliar words by providing hints from the surrounding text.

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Types of Context Clues:

• Definition Clues: The meaning of the word is given directly in the sentence or paragraph.
  • Example: “The arid desert was very dry and barren.”
• Synonym Clues: A similar word is used in the sentence to help explain the unfamiliar word.
  • Example: “The teacher was known for her kindness and compassion.”
• Antonym Clues: The opposite of the unfamiliar word is provided to help understand its meaning.
  • Example: “Unlike the noisy classroom, the library was peaceful and quiet.”
• Example Clues: Examples are given to illustrate what the word means.
  • Example: “He enjoyed playing various games, such as chess, checkers, and card games.”

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Using Context to Determine Meaning:

• Read Surrounding Sentences: Look at the sentences before and after the unfamiliar word.
• Identify Clue Words: Find words or phrases that offer hints about the meaning.
• Guess and Check: Make an educated guess about the word’s meaning based on the context, then check if it makes sense in the sentence.

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Strategies for Effective Context Clue Use:

• Look for Definitions: Sometimes the meaning is directly given in the text.
• Identify Synonyms and Antonyms: Use words with similar or opposite meanings to understand the unfamiliar word.
• Pay Attention to Examples: Use examples provided to infer the meaning.

Let’s practice!