Find words using context

Key Notes:

What are Context Clues?

Context clues are hints found within a sentence or paragraph that help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words. Think of them as detective clues for words! Instead of just skipping over words you don’t know, you can use the surrounding words and sentences to figure out what they mean.

Types of Context Clues

Synonym/Restatement: Another word with a similar meaning is used nearby. Example: The old house was dilapidated, run-down and in need of repair.

Definition/Explanation: The word is directly defined in the sentence. Example: An arachnid, which is an animal with eight legs, includes spiders, scorpions, and mites.

Antonym/Contrast: A word with the opposite meaning is used to show what the word doesn’t mean. Example: Unlike his talkative sister, Mark is very taciturn.

Inference: You have to ‘read between the lines’ and make a guess based on the surrounding information. Example: The arduous climb left the hikers exhausted and breathless.(We can infer that ‘arduous’ means difficult or strenuous.)

Let’s Practice!

Read each sentence and try to figure out the meaning of the underlined word using context clues. Write your guess in the space provided.

1. The king was a benevolent ruler, always helping those in need.
2. My guess: ________________________
3. The forest was so dense with trees that sunlight barely reached the ground.
4. My guess: ________________________
5. The archaeologist carefully examined the artifacts, such as pottery and tools, from the ancient civilization.
6. My guess: ________________________
7. Because the mountain pass was treacherous, we decided to turn back.
8. My guess: ________________________

Why is this Important?

Understanding context clues helps you:

• Improve your vocabulary: You learn new words without always needing a dictionary.
• Become a better reader: You understand what you read more fully.
• Improve your test-taking skills: Many tests include questions that ask you to define words using context clues.

Next Steps

Keep practicing using context clues whenever you read! Pay attention to the words around unfamiliar words, and try to guess their meaning. The more you practice, the better you will become at understanding new vocabulary.

Let’s practice!