Using Context Clues
Using Context Clues
When you're reading and you come to a word you don't know, what do you do?
You could throw the book down and yell, "This book is too hard!"
You could pull out a dictionary, but that would take a lot of work, especially if there are a lot of words you don't know.
You could ask someone else, but that would require you to stop reading and find someone to ask.
You could look up the word online, but that would also require you to stop reading and find a computer to use.
The best thing to do when you're reading and you come to a word you don't know is to use context clues.
What are Context Clues?
Context clues are hints an author gives to help define a word.
An author will often anticipate which words may be more difficult or seem unusual to readers and add in little clues to help the reader figure out what those words mean.
There are five types of context clues:
- Definitions
- Examples
- Antonyms/Contrasts
- Synonyms/Comparisons
- Inferences
Definitions
Sometimes an author comes right out and defines what a word means.
Example:
The weatherman said we could expect a lot of precipitation, or snow and sleet, to fall from the sky this weekend.
The author guessed that a lot of readers wouldn't know the meaning of the word precipitation, so he added in or snow or sleet to define the word for readers.
Example:
An inspection, the examination of all plant equipment, is scheduled for next weekend.
In this case, the author used the phrase the examination of all plant equipment to define the word inspection for readers.
Examples
Sometimes an author gives an example of a word to help the reader understand what it means.
Example:
When I finished skiing, I headed to the lodge for a hot beverage, like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
The author assumes the reader does not know what a hot beverage is, so she gives the examples coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
Example:
The old woman was known for her philanthropy, such as when she gave money to the local youth center.
To help the reader understand the meaning of the word philanthropy, the author gives the example she gave money to the local youth center, so the reader knows philanthropy is donating money to good causes.
Antonyms/Contrasts
Sometimes an author uses antonyms or gives contrasting feelings, actions, or situations to help the reader understand what a word means.
Example:
Alice was an indefatigable worker, but her boss reminded her that she needed to rest.
The word but signals that the author is using a contrast to help the reader understand that indefatigable means tireless or unwilling to rest.
Example:
Henry's room was immaculate, but Tyrone's room was messy.
The reader can use context clues to understand that immaculate is the opposite of messy.
Synonyms/Comparisons
Sometimes the author uses synonyms or compares the word to something else to help the reader understand the meaning.
Example:
Mary was so slender, or thin, that it was difficult to find pants that would fit.
The author uses the word thin to help the reader understand what slender means.
Example:
I get as enthusiastic about math problems as Harry gets excited when he gets a new jigsaw puzzle to solve.
The author helps the reader understand the meaning of the word enthusiastic by comparing it to how excited Harry gets when he gets a new jigsaw puzzle, so the reader can understand that enthusiastic means being excited about something.
Inferences
Sometimes an author gives clues through the actions, thoughts, or words in the sentences around an unfamiliar word. In that case, you must make an inference, or conclusion based on reasoning and evidence, to figure out what the word means.
Example:
The doctor wrote a prescription for Erica. She took it to the pharmacy so she could pick up her medicine.
In this example, the reader can infer that a prescription is something used to get medicine from a pharmacy, thanks to the context clues the author gives in the next sentence.
Example:
Jon had been preparing for this shot put competition for weeks. When the time came, he lifted the heavy metal ball to his shoulder using only one hand, and then pushed it forward with a lot of force. It landed with a thud on the track. Jon grinned. He knew the shot had gone far enough for him to win a medal.
This example is a little trickier. However, if the reader has never heard of the shot put, the description of what Jon does during the competition will help the reader understand the meaning of the word.
Why Use Context Clues?
It can be frustrating to read a book and not know what a word means. However, knowing context clues can make it easier to figure out what those words mean, so you can move on from them and enjoy the rest of the book.
Use the practice questions to practice using context clues, and then try your hand at the worksheets below.
Related Worksheets: