Transcript Optional: Objective 1 notes (context clues)

READING
OBJECTIVE #1
Word Meaning
3 types of skills
1.
2.
3.
Unfamiliar and uncommon words and
phrases
Words with multiple meanings
Figurative expressions
Skill #1:
Unfamiliar
and
uncommon
words and phrases
What do you do when you are reading
and run into a word you don’t know?
There is no dictionary and there is no
assistance….what do I do?

Use context clues
 words or sentences surrounding the
mystery word that assist you in
determining its meaning
Chapter One:
Vocabulary in Context
Context clues help you figure out the meanings
of unfamiliar words in your reading.
There are four common types of context clues:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Examples
Synonyms
Antonyms
General Sense of the Sentence or Passage
1. Context Clues Guidelines


After the word –some clues directly follow the
unfamiliar word.
Example: The trek, or journey, became more
challenging as we approached the top of the
mountain.
2. Context Clue Guideline


Authors often use punctuation clues to help the
reader. Punctuation clues might include commas,
dashes, or parentheses.
Example: In order to keep the dogs inside the yard,
we built a parapet, a low wall or railing.
3. Context Clue Guideline


In the previous sentence.
Example: Everyone at the dinner table cleaned their
plates and asked for seconds. As the guests left,
they said the dinner was delectable.
4. Context Clue Guideline


In the next sentence
Example: Jake left the waitress a paltry tip. She
forgot to give them glasses of water, brought out
cold food, and never checked on them, so she
deserved a small tip.
5. Context Clue Guideline


By asking yourself if the word sounds positive or
negative.
Example: The evil queen cast a sinister glare at the
elf when he asked her a question. (evil=negative)
6. Context Clue Guideline



By figuring out the word’s part of speech, such as a
noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.
Example: He guzzled water rapidly after the race.
(Guzzled is a verb. He did something to the water.)
7. Context Clue Guideline



The context clue may be a synonym (words with
almost the same meaning) or an antonym (words
opposite in meaning) for the unfamiliar word.
Examples: Reducing cholesterol has a number of beneficial
results. One positive outcome is reducing the risk of heart
disease. (synonym clue)
I despise liver, but I adore steak. (antonym clue)
8. Context Clue Guideline
By using word structure, that is studying the
unfamiliar word’s prefix, suffix, or root word and
using the meanings to figure out the definition of the
word.
Example: I’m tired of his infantile behavior. When will
he ever grow up?
(note the word infant within the word)

9. Context Clue Guideline

By using your knowledge of the Spanish language
and recognizing Latin root words.
Example: He’s looking very pensive. I wonder what he’s
up to?
(Pensive, as in pensativo)
Example: I have a serious dilemma. What should I do?
(dilemma, as in dilema)
Skill #2:
What is a Multiple Meaning word?


A word with more than one meaning.
Examples:
shape
 fish
 shot
 top
 fine
 pay

cross
Always make sure to check how the word is being
used IN THE SELECTION!
HOW MANY
MULTIPLE MEANING WORDS
CAN YOU LIST?
example
Which of the following best defines the word model as it
is used in the last paragraph of the selection?
A.
B.
C.
an artist's subject
a small copy of an object
a plan to be imitated
Durkheim's rigorous research methods captured the
attention of sociologists around the world, and were
perhaps even more important to the future development of
sociology than any specific research results could be. Within
a short time, his specific approach to formulating and
testing social theory became a model that guided the work
of nearly all sociologists. This assured Emile Durkheim a
lasting place as one of the key figures in the history of
sociology.
A. an artist's subject
B. a small copy of an object
C. a plan to be imitated
Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.
WITH MULTIPLE MEANING
WORDS, ALWAYS MAKE SURE
TO CHECK HOW THE WORD IS
BEING USED IN THE SELECTION!
Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.
SKILL #3:
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
•He’s as stubborn as a mule.
•She’s going to kill me if she finds out.
•Money talks.
•This backpack weighs a ton
•We walked forever.
•I’m starving
Watch out!
The author says one thing but means
another!
Example
1.
In the selection, the writer uses the phrase the
round-cheeked maiden to refer to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
a cloud
the wind
a young woman
the sun
Example
1.
In the selection, the writer uses the phrase the roundcheeked maiden to refer to:
A. a cloud
B. the wind
C. a young woman
D. the sun
The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a
moment, it was a strange, round cheeked maiden
with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the
wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled
carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.
Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.
Remember to check all of your
word meaning answers….

By replacing the unfamiliar word with a
“prediction” word to see if it fits or makes sense.
“Try it on”
Example: He acted like a buffoon at the party by
telling jokes and laughing too loudly and too often.
(prediction word: fool)
