Transcript Using Context Clues

Using Context Clues
By Donna D. Weaver
Hazelwood Central High School
Types of Signals
Writers often help readers with new or
unfamiliar words by giving clues through
the use of:
• punctuation marks
• special “signal” words
or
• whole sentences which form a “context”
that can define words.
Punctuation Marks
Commas, dashes, and
parentheses are
sometimes followed
by a synonym (a word
that has the same
meaning), a short
definition, an example,
or a restatement of the
word to help the
reader.
Commas, Dashes, and
Parentheses
Examples:
•Neve, glacial snow, is common in Antarctica.
•Advertisers often take a poll---interview
people---about a new product.
•The maestro (conductor) of the St. Louis
Orchestra entered the concert hall.
Signal Words
These words signal a definition, example, or
synonym : or, such as, for example,
especially, like, that is, and in other words.
Signal Words
Examples:
In New Orleans, people drink a strong coffee
served in demitasse or half size cups.
Pearls are found in mollusks like oysters.
Context of the Text
Sometimes the reader must play detective,
putting together clues from the surrounding
sentences and making an intelligent “guess”
as to the definition of a word.
Context of the Text
Example: The children were so fatigued
from their all day hike that they could
hardly eat their dinner. They dragged their
bodies to the dinner table and almost fell
asleep in their plates!
Practice Using Context Clues
Copy the following
sentences in your
journal. Write a
definition or synonym
for each underlined
word. Circle the clues
in the text that helped
you guess the meaning
of the word.
1. The sick man drank the elixir (medication)
and almost instantly became better!
2. The wolf hid in the grotto in the side of the
hill. None of the hunters saw it as they walked
passed the entrance.
3. The small boy leaned over the railing of the
viaduct looking at the water rushing below.
4. Mom drained the spaghetti in the colander
or strainer before adding the sauce.
5. Some crustaceans, such as shrimp and
lobsters, can be eaten.
6. The judge’s verdict---decision--was
anxiously awaited by everyone in the
courtroom.
7. The new annex to the school housed a
swimming pool and an immense gym.
8. The orator walked onto the stage, placed
his notes on the podium, and adjusted the
microphone as he looked at the audience.
9. The boys meandered along the
riverbank all afternoon, enjoying the first
day of summer vacation.
10. Sam did such a laudable job of fixing
his father’s car that his uncle hired him as
a full time mechanic at his garage this
summer!
Answers
1. Medicine or medication; clues are the
parentheses ( ) around the synonym.
2. Cave; clues are the words side of the hill
and entrance
3. Bridge; clues are the words railing,
rushing water, and below.
4. Strainer; clue is the word or before a
synonym.
Answers continued
5. Sea creature with a hard exoskeleton;
Clues are the words such as followed by
examples.
6. Decision or judgement; clues are the
dashes before and after the synonym.
7. An addition to a building; clues are the
words new, and housed.
8. Speaker; clues are the words stage,
podium, microphone, and audience.
Answers continued
9. Wander aimlessly; clues are the words
along, all afternoon, enjoy.
10. Admirable; clues are hired, full time
mechanic, and fixing.