Strategies for using context clues to infer word meaning and draw conclusions from a passage. Front: the strategy or clue type. Back: how to apply it, with a brief example.
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- Definition clue
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Look for a word's meaning stated directly nearby, often after a comma or dash. Example: The protagonist, or main character, led the group.- Synonym clue
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Find a similar word placed close by. Example: The puppy was timid and shy around strangers.- Antonym clue
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Look for an opposite word, often signaled by but or however. Example: Unlike her outgoing brother, she was shy and reserved.- Example clue
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Look for examples that show what a word means. Example: Tropical fruits like mangoes and coconuts grow in warm climates.- Explanation clue
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Look for a reason or because clause that explains a word's meaning. Example: He was famished because he had not eaten all day.- Contrast clue
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Look for comparisons showing difference, often with unlike or instead. Example: Unlike his messy room, hers was spotless and organized.- Punctuation clue
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Look for punctuation like dashes or parentheses that define or explain a word. Example: The apex (highest point) of the mountain touched the clouds.- Combining multiple clues
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Use several different context clues together to confirm a word's meaning. Example: Ancient, old-fashioned, and from long ago all indicate the relic is very old.- Using background knowledge
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Connect what the text says with what you already know about the topic. Example: Your knowledge of animals sleeping in winter helps you understand hibernation.- Making predictions
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Use context clues and what you know to guess what will happen next. Example: Dark sky and strong wind might predict a storm is coming.- Understanding word relationships
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Notice how words relate to understand the meanings of unfamiliar words. Example: If a teacher taught and a student learned, you understand what taught and learned mean.- Identifying tone
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Use word choices and descriptions to understand the author's attitude. Example: Calling someone mean shows the author has a negative feeling toward that person.- Understanding sequence
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Follow time-order words (first, next, then, finally) to understand what happens and in what order. Example: First mix, next pour the batter, finally bake shows the order of steps.- Finding the main idea
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Use context clues throughout a passage to determine what it is mostly about. Example: Words about exercise, nutrition, and sleep suggest the main idea is staying healthy.- Text structure
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Notice how text is organized (cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution) to understand it better. Example: Problems listed first, then solutions shows problem-solution structure.
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