Transcript Context Clues - S3 amazonaws com

Today’s objective:
 Our goal: We will use context clues to figure out the
meanings of unfamiliar words while reading (3.1.6).
Today, we’ll learn some things that will help us meet our
goal.
 We’ll learn that there are 4 main ways that authors give
us context clues.
 We’ll look at examples of each type of clue, and
identify ways we can use the clues to learn new words.
You don’t usually need a dictionary to figure out the
meanings of unknown words. You can use your
schema + the author’s clues to figure it out (or make
an____________________).
Inference (Yes, more of this…)
 You’ve learned to make inferences about lots of things
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already:
Predictions
Story events
Characters
Theme
Now we’re going to make
Inferences about new words.
Authors want you to understand
their writing.
 You’re writers too, and you know how much you want
your readers to know what you mean (otherwise,
what’s the point of writing anything in the first
place?).
Sometimes, authors help you understand their words
with clues (context clues).
Let’s learn how to look for these clues!
Clue type #1: antonyms
 You know that antonyms are opposites (You do know
that, don’t you? Give an example or two, please.)
 Authors often include antonyms or clues that
something is not the same in sentences to help clarify
what they mean.
 Let’s look at an example or two.
Put on your detective hats!
Unlike his calm, relaxed, and quiet
family, Buddy is usually garrulous.
 What is garrulous?
Well, you know that he is
UNLIKE his family.
What words describe the family?
Since Buddy is not like them, we
know that Buddy
is___________________.
Even though he wanted to save his money,
Eric couldn’t help but squander his earnings
on junk food at the fair.
We know Eric wanted to save his money.
The words “even though” let us know we
need to look for an opposite (antonym)
here. He did not save his money.
What do you think the word ‘squander’
means here?
Clue type #2: Definitions
 Some authors restate the
meaning of a word to help us
understand it (This happens a
lot in nonfiction. How
helpful!).
 Let’s look at a couple examples.
Sedentary people, people who get
little exercise, often become
overweight.
 The commas in this sentence show you that the author
is going to rename the word
“sedentary” by giving you a definition.
What is the definition of sedentary?
(p.s. get some exercise.. Or else…)
The dromedary, commonly called a
camel, stores fat in its hump.
 This sentence tells you exactly
what a dromedary is if you’re
looking for it.
 What is a dromedary?
Clue type # 3:
examples or synonyms
 Sometimes authors will give explanations or examples
to back up word meaning, and this is another kind of
context clue.
Let’s
at an example.
Reann is an ideal student, she
always does her work quietly, and
she is very smart.
What words here describe
what an ‘ideal’ student is
like?
What does the word ‘ideal’
mean here?
Clue type #4: common knowledge
The common knowledge clue counts on you to have
schema. Here, you might not find the clues in the same
sentence, but the details in surrounding sentences make
sure typical readers can figure out the meanings of
words.
Look at this example.
Mrs. Kohlmeyer, Mrs. Reblitz, and Miss
Stegemiller were eating lunch together during the
zoo field trip. Their students were all off enjoying
their day with parent chaperones, so the teachers
were all by themselves. They all had on their CFA
polos, and I guess this confused a few of the zoo
patrons. One man asked, “Where is the monkey
exhibit?” A woman stopped to ask, “What time
does the next dolphin show start?” At first the
three teachers were confused about why these
patrons were asking them questions about the
zoo, but then they realized that they were dressed
the same as the zoo workers. The patrons thought
the teachers were zoo workers!
Look for context clues as you read
today. Can you figure out
unfamiliar words on your own?
 Give it a try!
 If you get stuck on a word, try looking for:
 Antonym clues
 Example clues
 Definition clues
 Common knowledge clues
(Don’t worry- you don’t need to know which is whichjust use what you’ve learned to figure out new words.)
Try these! Underline the clues.
 I was flabbergasted when I found out I won the
art contest.
a. very angry b. amazed c. tired
 Ms. Chen admonished her students to complete
their homework.
a. warned b. questioned c. promised
 Jason was in a somber mood when he heard the
bad news.
a. excited b. sad c. happy
 The man’s large hat and sunglasses
concealed his face.
a. revealed b. showed c. hid
 Eating too much junk food may be
hazardous to your health.
a. dangerous b. great c. delightful
 The boat sailed gently on the tranquil lake.
a. upset b. calm c. stormy
 Billy descended the stairs into his
basement.
a. crossed b. walked up c. walked down