Context Clues Module
Context Clues Module
2. How would you know that the definition you are looking for a word in the
dictionary is correct?
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INPUT
CONTEXT CLUES
One technique to improve your reading comprehension and reading pace is
using context clues. Context clues are words, phrases, and sentences that
surround an unfamiliar word that can help recognize the meaning of an
unknown word because the text gives you information about it.
TYPES OF CONTEXT
1. SYNONYMS are used when the text as words or phrases that are similar in
meaning to the unknown word. Though their meanings are similar, they are not
exactly the same because a word may have different associations with it.
Synonym clues may be signaled by the following words:
e.g. 1. The narrator in the poem was euphoric at his son's victory, for
he
cried out triumphantly when the boy came home.
2. The suspect often obfuscated during the interrogation. His
explanations were confusing and complicated.
3. Laarni envisaged the witch in her mind. She imagined its
sharp
claws and jaws, and then shivered in fright.
2. ANTONYMS is a word that reveals the opposite meaning in relation to the
unknown word. When you see words like though, unlike, but, despite, instead, in
contrast, however, even though, on the contrary and conversely, these usually
precede antonyms because these are used to contrasting ideas
e.g. 1. James relentlessly pursued his dreams unlike his friends who
gave up easily when difficulties arose.
2. They tag him insolent because he answers back, so impolite
with the elders and ungrateful to his parents. But her sister is
totally different because she is so respectful and gentle.
3. The boy is so precocious and on the contrary, his sister is so
immature and late bloomer.
3. EXAMPLES are specific details in a text that are used to clarify the meaning
of the word.
e.g. 1. The father of the boy was ecstatic when he found out that his
son won the championship. He laughed out loud, cheering, and
hugging his son.
2. He is having his anxiety attacks. Once his name was called to
do his recital, he begins to sweat, tremble, and breathe rapidly.
3. Celestial bodies, including sun, moon, and stars, have
fascinated
man through the centuries.
4. EXPLANATION may be given as clues to describe an unknown term. When
phrase like “because” or “that is” follow a word, these may be explanations.
e.g. 1. The announcements and reminders should be put in a very
conspicuous area so that all could easily see and read it, thus
be informed accordingly.
2. Police officers often must interrogate witnesses, that is, the
officers must ask their witnesses important questions and try to
get truthful answers.
3. I called him a nuisance because he kept pestering me of his
unnecessary questions every now and then, especially when I
was
too busy.
5. DEFINITIONS may follow an unfamiliar word. Terms like “is,” “means,” “is
defined as,” and “refers to” are used with definitions. The actual definition is
provided or a straightforward definition is given.
e.g. 1. The doctor’s writing was utterly illegible; no one could read
those
scribbles.
2. She heard the cry of the banshee, a spirit that cries loudly to
warn
people that someone is going to die.
3. Haberdashery, which is a store that sells men’s clothing, is
becoming common today.
6. SITUATION in which a word is used can also be helpful in determining the
meaning of that word. The meaning of a word may change depending on its
context, or how and where it is used.
e.g. 1. I love cookies with raisins and chopped dates
(edible fruit of a palm)
2. Set up a date with my lawyer.
(an appointment to meet at a specified time)
3. I asked her out on a date.
(a social engagement between two romantically involved
persons)
4. Her best album to date is really selling.
(up to the present moment)
5. I forgot to write the date in the form.
(to record the time of execution or making of)
Seat Work No. : ______ CONTEXT CLUES
Direction: On the space provided, write the letter of your answer to give the meaning of bold –
written word/s using context clues.
___1. Catholic people venerate statutes of saints.
a. to regard with respect c. to provide attention
b. to show indifference d. to give tribute
___ 2. It so absurd to see cats and mice play harmoniously.
a. nice and cute c. ridiculously unreasonable
b. funny and amazing d. believably wonderful
___ 3. For answering back, the presiding judge, he was charged with contempt of court.
a. open disrespect c. being disobedient
b. no high regard d. disturbingly silent
___ 4. The opening doors of cars of royalties and high officials of the government have emblems
to signify of their prestige and honor as well as their distinguished position in the society.
a. marked stickers c. unique symbol
b. identifying mark/figure d. official plates
___5. We could see so many paupers around begging and they could hardly afford to buy food
and acquire decent shelters.
a. jobless adults c. loitering children
b. dependent elders d. poor people
___ 6. The abutments outside of the building were admiringly looked up the by people passing by.
a. arches b. ceiling c. hallways d. walls
___ 7. No one likes a despot who will govern the society without limitations and with total control.
a. king with all the wealth and wisdom c. ruler with absolute power and
authority
b. leader who elected by his constituents d. a person exercising limited power
___ 8. The illness sapped him of his stamina.
a. to weaken b. to drain c. to diminish d. to restore
___ 9. His mocking of her being short and stout made her slapped him on the face.
a. act of teasing b. act of complementing c. act of loving d. act of ridiculing
___10. He was able to finish his studies because he was propped upon by his wealthy parents.
a. supported b. abandoned c. helped d. regarded
Seat Work No. : ______ CONTEXT CLUES
Direction: On the space provided, write the letter of your answer to give the meaning of bold –
written word/s using context clues.
___1. Catholic people venerate statutes of saints.
a. to regard with respect c. to provide attention
b. to show indifference d. to give tribute
___ 2. It so absurd to see cats and mice play harmoniously.
a. nice and cute c. ridiculously unreasonable
b. funny and amazing d. believably wonderful
___ 3. For answering back, the presiding judge, he was charged with contempt of court.
a. open disrespect c. being disobedient
b. no high regard d. disturbingly silent
___ 4. The opening doors of cars of royalties and high officials of the government have emblems
to signify of their prestige and honor as well as their distinguished position in the society.
a. marked stickers c. unique symbol
b. identifying mark/figure d. official plates
___5. We could see so many paupers around begging and they could hardly afford to buy food
and acquire decent shelters.
a. jobless adults c. loitering children
b. dependent elders d. poor people
___ 6. The abutments outside of the building were admiringly looked up the by people passing by.
a. arches b. ceiling c. hallways d. walls
___ 7. No one likes a despot who will govern the society without limitations and with total control.
a. king with all the wealth and wisdom c. ruler with absolute power and
authority
b. leader who elected by his constituents d. a person exercising limited power
___ 8. The illness sapped him of his stamina.
a. to weaken b. to drain c. to diminish d. to restore
___ 9. His mocking of her being short and stout made her slapped him on the face.
a. act of teasing b. act of complementing c. act of loving d. act of ridiculing
___10. He was able to finish his studies because he was propped upon by his wealthy parents.
a. supported b. abandoned c. helped d. regarded
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct meaning of the underlined word in each
sentence using context clues and on the space provided, write the letter of the correct type of
context clue used.
A – synonym B – antonym C – example
D - situation E – explanation F – definition
_____1. The refrigerator has a separate compartment for meats.
a. enclosed space b. open area c. small section d. exposed division
_____2. Hunger compelled him to eat early in the morning.
a. to force something to happen c. to do something dangerously
b. to act accordingly d. to behave as expected by all
_____3. We went to Baguio and I did not bring a jacket to protect me from cold.
Thus, during the Dawn Mass of December, I was shivering.
a. sleepy b. trembling c. drowsy d. hungry
_____4. He showed a blatant disregard for the rules of the school. His actions are
vulgar and very disgusting.
a. very impolite and rude c. very obvious and offensive
b. very degrading and shameful d. very crude and immature
_____5. Altering the clothing so that it will fit better is not a bad idea.
a. to repair b. to change c. to remove d. to restore
_____ 6. To accentuate is to make it noticeable so he tendered his resignation to
make the administration see what is wrong with the company.
a. be prominent b. be emphasized c. be intensified d. all choices are probable
_____7. Our Catholic faith prevails until now yet some other religions lose its
existence so easily.
a. fades b. persists c. vanish d. fails
_____8. The distinction or class or division of men should not be tolerated for we are
all created equal in the eyes of God.
a. separation b. union c. corporation d. group
_____9. Caste is a division of society based upon differences of wealth, rank, or occupation.
a. religious group b. social classes c. government system d. regional form
_____10. The extremists cause destabilization in the government’s plan for progress. Some
of them are the ISIS, NPA, Al Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf and Maute group. They are people whose
____.
a. beliefs are unreasonable and new c. ideas are unacceptable and not ordinary
b. ways are severe and dramatic d. views are different from traditional
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct meaning of the underlined word in each
sentence using context clues and on the space provided, write the letter of the correct type
of context clue used.
A – synonym B – antonym C – example
D - situation E – explanation F – definition
_____1. The refrigerator has a separate compartment for meats.
a. enclosed space b. open area c. small section d. exposed division
_____2. Hunger compelled him to eat early in the morning.
a. to force something to happen c. to do something dangerously
b. to act accordingly d. to behave as expected by all
_____3. We went to Baguio and I did not bring a jacket to protect me from cold.
Thus, during the Dawn Mass of December, I was shivering.
a. sleepy b. trembling c. drowsy d. hungry
_____4. He showed a blatant disregard for the rules of the school. His actions are
vulgar and very disgusting.
a. very impolite and rude c. very obvious and offensive
b. very degrading and shameful d. very crude and immature
_____5. Altering the clothing so that it will fit better is not a bad idea.
a. to repair b. to change c. to remove d. to restore
_____ 6. To accentuate is to make it noticeable so he tendered his resignation to
make the administration see what is wrong with the company.
a. be prominent b. be emphasized c. be intensified d. all choices are probable
_____7. Our Catholic faith prevails until now yet some other religions lose its
existence so easily.
a. fades b. persists c. vanish d. fails
_____8. The distinction or class or division of men should not be tolerated for we are
all created equal in the eyes of God.
a. separation b. union c. corporation d. group
_____9. Caste is a division of society based upon differences of wealth, rank, or
occupation.
a. religious group b. social classes c. government system d. regional form
_____10. The extremists cause destabilization in the government’s plan for progress. Some
of them are the ISIS, NPA, Al Qaeda, Abu Sayyaf and Maute group. They are people whose
____.
a. beliefs are unreasonable and new c. ideas are unacceptable and not ordinary
b. ways are severe and dramatic d. views are different from traditional
QUIZ ONE
Direction: ENCIRCLE the letter of the correct sentence that matches with the
word given and its definition.
1. JUMP (to show eagerness)
A. He jumped from job to job. C. The prices of commodities jump
suddenly.
B. She jumped at the given chance. D. Mr. Santos jumped on the bandwagon.
2. STRIKE (to inflict)
A. He struck a blow on his nose. C. The clock strikes every 12:00 in the
evening.
B. Two ships struck in mid-channel. D. He struck a new plan for the project.
3. COME (to arrive in due course)
A. This comes in near perfection. C. The job is coming nicely.
B. Come here now! D. The time has come to make a decision.
4. FIND (to come upon by searching or effort)
A. Find the answer for this. C. We must find a suitable person for the job.
B. The bullet found its mark. D. He is trying to find his tongue.
5. DUE (owing as a debt)
A. With all due respect, I want to speak with you.
C. Pay the bill which is due today.
B. Give credit where credit is due.
D. The due date is on the first week of May.
6. LIFE (biography)
A. I have read the life of St. Paul.
B. The fishing village drew its life from the sea.
C. You gave life to my boring existence.
D. His young life was spent in prison.
7. SENSE (conscious awareness or rationality)
A. The acrobats have a good sense of balance.
B. Finally, she came to her senses.
C. What is the sense of living without you?
D. I could sense the danger of it.
8. GAIN (to profit)
A. He has gained weight. C. You gained my respect.
B. The machine gained efficiency after the overhaul.
D. I gained a lot from the business I ventured into.
9. HIGH (luxurious)
A. He could reach the high notes. C. She has a high purpose in life.
B. They are in high living. D. Her temperature is getting high.
10. FAT (richly rewarding or profitable)
A. James has a fat bank account. C. He a gorgeous fat bass voice.
B. A fat role in the TV series was given to her. D. The food is full of fat.
Name: _______________________________________________ Section: ________________
Direction: On the space provided, write the letter of your answer to give the meaning of
underlined word using context clues.
1. An ascetic, living an austere and lonely life of self-denial, believes this existence will lead to
spiritual and intellectual perfection. __________
a. practicing simple living c. living in pleasures
b. doing something unusual d. avoiding happiness in life
2. Sabotage, with its destruction of enemy supplies and property, was used often by the enemies’
sides during World War II. __________
a. act of destroying deliberately c. act of damaging intentionally
b. act of hindering purposely. d. all are correct
3. The proposed document, filled with misleading information and vague generalities, was
completely ambiguous and prevented any positive action from the company. _________
a. uncertain b. clear c. well expressed d. clearly stated
4. “That charlatan!” he cried. “That absolute fake!” __________
a. not fraud person b. not a quack individual c. not a true being d. not pretend character
5. “The lingerie department,” she directed the confused customer, “is where you’ll find the bras
and panties. ________
a. women’s summer clothing c. women’s intimate apparel
b. women’s working garments d. women’s dresses
6. She yearns for green mangoes every time she gets pregnant.
a. to wish for something c. to feel a strong desire for something
b. to long for something d. to have something as soon as possible
7. He lamented his decision not to go to college. Not able to get a job that easily and having poor
living condition, made him realized his mistake. __________
a. to be sorry b.to be content c. to be regretful d. to be satisfied
8. He is so parsimonious. He would rather get hungry than buy himself food when in town and
usually buy food only in a very small amount to keep his money. ___________
a. very thrifty to save money c. very unwilling to spend money
b. very spendthrift to earn money d. very willing to save money
10. He is such a haughty guy. Whenever he gets a high score in test or whenever he had a good
recitation, he brags it and laugh at others who poorly made it in the class. Moreover, he shows
arrogance for people whom he perceived to be inferior. _________
a. someone who thinks that he is better than others
c. someone who thinks highly of others
b. someone who thinks that all are important
d. not any of the above
Name: _______________________________________________ Section: ________________
Direction: On the space provided, write the letter of your answer to give the meaning of
underlined word using context clues.
1. An ascetic, living an austere and lonely life of self-denial, believes this existence will lead to
spiritual and intellectual perfection. __________
a. practicing simple living c. living in pleasures
b. doing something unusual d. avoiding happiness in life
2. Sabotage, with its destruction of enemy supplies and property, was used often by the enemies’
sides during World War II. __________
a. act of destroying deliberately c. act of damaging intentionally
b. act of hindering purposely. d. all are correct
3. The proposed document, filled with misleading information and vague generalities, was
completely ambiguous and prevented any positive action from the company. _________
a. uncertain b. clear c. well expressed d. clearly stated
4. “That charlatan!” he cried. “That absolute fake!” __________
a. not fraud person b. not a quack individual c. not a true being d. not pretend character
5. “The lingerie department,” she directed the confused customer, “is where you’ll find the bras
and panties. ________
a. women’s summer clothing c. women’s intimate apparel
b. women’s working garments d. women’s dresses
6. She yearns for green mangoes every time she gets pregnant.
a. to wish for something c. to feel a strong desire for something
b. to long for something d. to have something as soon as possible
7. He lamented his decision not to go to college. Not able to get a job that easily and having poor
living condition, made him realized his mistake. __________
a. to be sorry b.to be content c. to be regretful d. to be satisfied
8. He is so parsimonious. He would rather get hungry than buy himself food when in town and
usually buy food only in a very small amount to keep his money. ___________
a. very thrifty to save money c. very unwilling to spend money
b. very spendthrift to earn money d. very willing to save money
10. He is such a haughty guy. Whenever he gets a high score in test or whenever he had a good
recitation, he brags it and laugh at others who poorly made it in the class. Moreover, he shows
arrogance for people whom he perceived to be inferior. _________
a. someone who thinks that he is better than others
c. someone who thinks highly of others
b. someone who thinks that all are important
d. not any of the above
Activity One (Context Clues)
For each type of context clues, list two (2) unfamiliar words and use each in
sentence. Thus, there are 6 types of context clues and there should be twelve (12)
sentences. (15 points)
Instructions: You may write your answer in a separate bond papers
or writing pads. You may have it type-written or hand-written. Securely attach
your work in this module. DO NOT USE ANY LONGER ANY OF THE WORDS
GIVEN IN THIS MODULE, OTHERWISE, NO POINTS SHALL BE GIVEN.
Criteria: (To be applied for both activities)
e.g. (EXAMPLES)
1. Piscatorial creatures, such as flounder, salmon, and trout, live in the coldest
parts of the ocean.
2. He plays all kind of brass band and they are cornets, trombones and tubas.
Activity Two (Words with Multiple Meaning)
List five (5) words with four (4) different meanings. Write the word in bold
letters while the meaning should be numbered. Use each word in a sentence as
per different meaning. Thus, you will come up with twenty sentences. Again
follow the instruction given above.
e.g.
1. FIT
A. He keeps himself fit by exercising.
(sound physically and mentally: HEALTHY)
B. The dress does not fit me anymore.
(to conform correctly to the size and shape of: BEFIT)
C. The movie is fit for the whole family.
(acceptable from a particular point of view: PROPER)
D. He had a fit after I showed up late.
(an emotional reaction as in anger or frustration: OUTBURST)
DO NOT RETURN PAGES ONE TO TEN (1-10). THESE PAGES SERVE AS YOUR
NOTES.