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EAPP11

The document discusses different types of context clues that readers can use to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. It describes 8 types of context clues: 1) definition/description clues, 2) example clues, 3) synonym restatement clues, 4) contrast/antonym clues, 5) mood/tone clues, 6) experience clues, 7) analysis/structure clues, and 8) cause and effect clues. For each type, it provides examples from text to illustrate how readers can infer the meaning of an unknown word based on contextual hints.

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Nancy R. Sudario
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77 views

EAPP11

The document discusses different types of context clues that readers can use to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. It describes 8 types of context clues: 1) definition/description clues, 2) example clues, 3) synonym restatement clues, 4) contrast/antonym clues, 5) mood/tone clues, 6) experience clues, 7) analysis/structure clues, and 8) cause and effect clues. For each type, it provides examples from text to illustrate how readers can infer the meaning of an unknown word based on contextual hints.

Uploaded by

Nancy R. Sudario
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Building Vocabulary

through
Context Clues
Context clues
 are hints found within a sentence,
paragraph, or passage that a reader
can use to understand the meanings
of new or unfamiliar words.
 a reader may learn the meaning of
the unknown word by looking at the
“surrounding territory.”
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES
1. Definition / Description Clue
2. Example Clues
3. Synonym Restatement Clue
4. Contrast/Antonym Clue
5. Mode/Tone Clue
6. Experience Clue
7. Analysis or Structure Clue
8. Cause and Effect Clue
1. Definition / Description Clue
• The new term may be formally
defined, or sufficient explanation
may be given within the sentence
or in the following sentence.
• Clues to definition include “that
is,” commas, dashes, and
parentheses.
Definition / Description Clue
Example #1:
His emaciation, that is, his
skeleton-like appearance, was
frightening to see.

“Skeleton-like appearance” is
the definition of “emaciation.”
Definition / Description Clue
Example #2:

Fluoroscopy, examination with a


fluoroscope, has become a common
practice.

The commas before and after “examination


with a fluoroscope” point out the definition
of “fluoroscopy.”
2. Example Clues
 Sometimes when a reader finds a
new word, an example might be
found nearby that helps to explain
its meaning.
 Words like including, such as, and
for example, point out example
clues.
Example Clues
Example #1:
Piscatorial creatures, such as
flounder, salmon, and trout, live in
the coldest parts of the ocean.

“Piscatorial” obviously refers to fish.


Example Clues
Example #2:

Celestial bodies, including the sun,


moon, and stars, have fascinated
man through the centuries.

“Celestial” objects are those in the


sky or heavens.
3. Synonym Restatement Clue
 thereader may discover the
meaning of an unknown word
because it repeats an idea
expressed in familiar words
nearby.
 synonyms are words with the
same meaning
Synonym Restatement Clue
Example #1:
Flooded with spotlights – the focus of all
attention – the new Miss America began
her year-long reign. She was the cynosure
of all eyes for the rest of the evening

“Cynosure” means “the focus of all


attention.”
Synonym Restatement Clue
Example #2:

The mountain pass was a tortuous


road, winding and twisting like a snake
around the trees of the mountainside.

“Tortuous” means “winding and


twisting.”
4. Contrast / Antonym Clue
 Antonyms are words with opposite
meanings.
 An opposite meaning context clue
contrasts the meaning of an unfamiliar
word with the meaning of a familiar
term.
 Words like “although,” “however,” and
“but” may signal contrast clues.
Contrast / Antonym Clue
Example #1:
When the light brightens, the pupils of
the eyes contract; however, when it
grows darker, they dilate.

“Dilate” means the opposite of


“contract.”
Contrast / Antonym Clue
Example #2:

The children were as different as day and


night. He was a lively conversationalist,
but she was reserved and taciturn.

“Taciturn” means the opposite of a


“lively conversationalist.”
5. Mood /Tone Clue
The author sets a mood, and the
meaning of the unknown word
must harmonize with the mood.
Mood /Tone Clue
Example #1:
The lugubrious wails of the gypsies
matched the dreary whistling of the wind
in all but-deserted cemetery.

“Lugubrious,” which means “sorrowful,” fits


into the mood set by the words “wails,”
“dreary,” and “deserted cemetery.”
6. Experience Clue
 Sometimes a reader knows from
experience how people or things act
in a given situation.
 This knowledge provides the clue to a
word’s meaning.
Experience Clue
Example #1:
During those first bewildering weeks,
the thoughts of a college freshman
drift back to high school where he
was “in,” knew everyone, and felt at
home. A feeling of nostalgia sweeps
over him.
7. Analysis or Structure Clue
 the parts used to construct a word can be
direct clues to meaning.
 knowledge of prefixes, roots, and suffixes
can aid a reader in using this type of context
clue.
 the power of word parts lies in the ability to
combine the roots and affixes with the
context in which a word is used to discover
the author’s meaning
Analysis or Structure Clue
Example #1:
The story is incredible.

The root cred means “to believe,’ and


the prefix in means “not.” Therefore, if
a story is incredible, it is unbelievable.
8. Cause and Effect Clue
 The author explains the reason for or
the result of the word.
 Words like “because,” “since,”
“therefore,” “thus,” “so,” etc. may
signal context clues.
Cause And Effect Clue
Example #1:
She wanted to impress all her dinner
guests with the food she served, so she
carefully studied the necessary culinary
arts.

“Culinary” means “food preparation.”


ACTIVITY
1. It was an idyllic day – sunny, warm, and perfect for a
walk.
a. very peaceful, happy and enjoyable

b. Warlike, unhappy, and lack

2. Carla’s boss was callous man. He did not react to her


tears and apologies.
c. hard-hearted

d. kind-hearted

3. She penned a letter to her Aunt


e. booked

f. wrote
4. She remained vigorous into her nineties.
a. happy
b. healthy

5. He was born in a very wealthy family, but he died


in an indigent one.
c. very rich
d. very poor
6. We’re going to have an extravagant vacation this
year.
e. very expensive
f. economical
7. He was ecstatic when he learned that he was going to be a
father for the very first time.
a. very happy

b. depressed

8. Diane was lethargic; she didn’t have the strength to get out of
bed.
c. lack of motivation

d. lack of energy

9. He knew his future was precarious and likely to fall apart


e. uncertain

f. Unimportant

10. Mary is gregarious, unlike his brother who is quiet and shy
g. sociable

h. introvert

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