use context to identify the meaning of a word
Key Notes :
Understanding Context:
- Context refers to the words and sentences surrounding a word in a text.
- It helps to clarify what the word means based on how it is used.
Types of Context Clues:
Definition Clues: The meaning of the word is explained directly in the sentence.
- Example: “A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat.”
Synonym Clues: A similar word is used in the sentence.
- Example: “The puppy was playful, full of energy and fun.”
Antonym Clues: A word with the opposite meaning is used.
- Example: “Unlike the noisy classroom, the library was very quiet.”
Example Clues: Examples are given to explain the word.
- Example: “You can find fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas at the market.”
Finding Clues:
- Look for words or phrases that give hints about the unknown word.
- Pay attention to how the sentence is structured; sometimes, the relationship between words can offer insight.
Reading Comprehension:
- Using context helps improve overall reading comprehension.
- It allows students to understand the text better and enjoy reading more.
Importance of Context:
- Context is essential in understanding not just single words but also phrases and entire texts.
- It helps students become better readers and writers.
Learn with an example
Read the passage and then answer the question.
In 1861, Clara Barton had an office job in Washington, DC. When the American Civil War started, soldiers poured into the city. Barton saw that many of them were wounded and hungry. Bandages, medicine and food were scarce, but Barton searched the whole city to find what the soldiers needed. She visited the soldiers, read to them and wrote letters for those who couldn’t write. She even went out during battles to assist doctors caring for the wounded. After the war, in 1881, Clara Barton helped establish the American Red Cross. Today the Red Cross helps thousands of people after serious events such as fires and floods.
What is the meaning of scarce as used in the passage?
- not allowed
- small in number
- very cheap
- found everywhere
As used in the passage, scarce means small in number.
Read the passage and then answer the question.
In 1910, two groups of explorers landed on the coast of Antarctica. Both groups had the same goal: to be the first to reach the South Pole. The men set up camps to wait for warm weather to arrive. When spring began, each group started across the icy mountains towards the pole. Roald Amundsen led one party, using dogsleds to carry supplies over the ice. In the other party, led by Robert Falcon Scott, the men pulled their own sleds. Amundsen’s group arrived at the South Pole first. The date was 14 December 1911. If Scott had used dogsleds, he might have reached that destination sooner.
What is the meaning of destination as used in the passage?
- a place where a person is going
- a collection of different supplies
- something that blocks your path
- a crack in the earth’s surface
As used in the passage, destination means a place where a person is going.