Find words using context

key notes :

What are Context Clues?

When you read, you sometimes come across words you don’t know. Don’t worry! Context clues are hints within the sentence or surrounding text that can help you figure out the meaning of those unfamiliar words. Think of yourself as a word detective! 🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♂️

• Read the whole sentence (or even the whole paragraph!). Don’t just focus on the unknown word.
• Look for signal words. These words often introduce definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples (e.g., meaning, like, unlike, such as).
• Think about what makes sense. Use your common sense and what you already know to help you guess the meaning of the word.
• Try replacing the unknown word. Substitute your guess for the unknown word and see if the sentence still makes sense.
• Don’t give up! Sometimes it takes a little detective work to figure out the meaning of a word.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Let’s try some examples together:

1. The old house was dilapidated, with broken windows and peeling paint.
2. What context clues help you understand dilapidated? What do you think it means?
3. My mom told me to expedite the package delivery as it was important that it arrived on time.
4. What context clues help you understand expedite? What do you think it means?
5. The rabbit was timid and shy, especially compared to the other animals at the petting zoo.
6. What context clues help you understand timid? What do you think it means?

Summary

Context clues are helpful hints in sentences and paragraphs that allow you to discover the meaning of unfamiliar words! These clues can come in the form of definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples, all designed to aid your understanding. Keep practicing, and you’ll become a context clue expert in no time!

let’s practice!