Transcript Context Clues Synonym, Antonym

Context Clues
Using Synonyms, Antonyms
When you read you might find words or
phrases that have the same meaning or
opposite meaning of the unknown word.
What are synonyms and antonyms?
This rhyme will help you remember the
difference between synonyms and antonyms:
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Synonyms, synonyms, mean the same
Antonyms play the opposite game
Example #1: Synonym words or
phrases
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The force of water running over a dam creates
power. This power turns turbines, or engines,
that help store energy. Hydroelectric turbines
are a modern form of water wheels. The
spinning turbines make electricity.
Notice the comma (turbine, or engines)
Notice the word “are” (Hydroelectric turbines
are…)
Examples #2: Synonym words or
phrases
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A word used to describe the common way of life
shared by a group of people is known as a culture. A
culture is made up of shared ideas, customs, and
traditions. It tells you how people live, what they eat,
and what they believe. Cultural regions are land
areas where people share similar lifestyles.
Notice “is known as” *According to our posters,
where is the meaning?
Notice “Cultural regions are” *According to the
posters, where is the meaning?
Examples #3: Synonym words or
phrases
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Elevation, or the height of the land from sea
level, affects the climate, or weather
conditions, of an area. The higher up the
mountain, the colder the temperature. Lower
areas have warmer temperature.
What is an elevation? What is your clue?
What is a climate? What is your clue?
Example #1: Antonym words or
phrases
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Coal and oil are considered nonrenewable
energy. This differs from the sun, which is
renewable energy because it will not get used
up.
Notice “This differs from” *It lets you know
there is an opposite meaning word or phrase.
Example #2: Antonym words or
phrases
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The author gave his opinion throughout the
newspaper article. He should have written the
facts instead.
Notice the word “instead” *It lets you know
there is an opposite meaning word or phrase.
What is the opposite of opinion? What is an
opinion?
Example #3: Antonym words or
phrases
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During the Civil War Abraham Lincoln wanted all
the states to unite. However, the southern states
wanted to break away from the union.
Notice “However” *It lets you know there will be an
opposite meaning word or phrase.
What does “unite” mean? What is your clue?
You can also use the base word to help you: unit
Final Thoughts…
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An author might put synonym or antonym
words or phrases to help you understand
unknown words.
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What are synonyms?
What are antonyms?
Remember, you can always plug in answer
choices to see which one makes sense with
the context.