Context clue

Context clues are hints found within a sentence,

paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to
understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words.

Learning the meaning of a word through its use in a
sentence or paragraph is the most practical way to
build vocabulary, since a dictionary is not always
available when a reader encounters an unknown word.

A reader must be aware that many words have several
possible meanings. Only by being sensitive to the
circumstances in which a word is used can the reader
decide upon an appropriate definition to fit the context.

A reader should rely on context clues when an obvious
clue to meaning is provided, or when only a general
sense of the meaning is needed for
the reader’s purposes. Context clues
should not be relied upon when a
precise meaning is required, when
clues suggest several possible
definitions, when nearby words are
unfamiliar, and when the unknown
word is a common one that will be
needed again; in these cases, a
dictionary should be consulted.

TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES

TYPE DESCRIPTION CLUES ”SIGNAL WORDS” EXAMPLE

1. Definition The author provides Is, are ‐ Martha is a curator, a person who is
a direct(explicit) Is /are called responsible for looking after a
definition of an Is /are known asIs defined as museum’scollection.
unknown word in Means, Refers to ‐Entomology is the study of insects.
the sentence. ‐ Archeology is the scientific study of
Commas , Semicolon ; prehistoriccultures by excavation of
2. Synonym or The author uses a Dashes - Parenthesis ( their remains.
Restatement word havingthe same ) - Carnivores, that is, meat eaters, are
or nearly the same Sometimes signal wordsor, that is, the top ofthe food chain.
meaning as another or in otherwords are used. ‐ My best friend squandered all his
word or other words money; hisdrinking and gambling
in a sentence. Words used are: wasted all his earnings.
But, however, although, ‐After seeing the picture of the
3. Antonym or The author uses otherwise, unless, instead of, on starving children,we all felt
Contrast another wordor the contrary, on the other hand, compassion or pity for their suffering.
phrase that means while, unlike. ‐ After a time, glaciers, or slowly moving
the opposite of an rivers of ice, formed over many parts of
unfamiliar word the Earth.
‐Mike’s parrot was loquacious,but
Maria’s said very little.

‐The gentleman was portly, but his wife
was thin.
‐While Luis is hardworking, his indolent
brother spends most of the time
watching TV or sittingaround with
friends.

4. Comparison In comparison clues, Words used are: ‐My brother is enthralled by birds
the author uses words like, as, similar to, inthe same similar to theway that I am fascinated
and phrases that have way, likewise, resembling,too, by insects.
the same orsimilar also ‐ The stench of the old shoes was like
meaning as an the smell ofgarbage.
unfamiliar word.

TYPE DESCRIPTION CLUES ”SIGNAL WORDS” EXAMPLE

5. Example/ The author provides For exampleFor ‐The archeologist found different
Explanation amulets, suchas a rabbit’s foot and
examplesor instanceIncluding bags of herb.
6. Cause and ‐Paula was suspended from school
Effect additional Such as Specifically because ofseveral infractions of the
rules, including smoking in the
7. List or explanations or To illustrate bathroom and dressing improperly.
Series - Celestial bodies, such as the sun,
summaries to help moon, andstars, are governed by
8. Inference predictable laws.
or General you understand an
Context ‐Since no one came to the first
unfamiliar word. The meeting, attendance for the second
one is mandatory forall staff.
word is cleared up ‐ Because the conflagration was aided by
wind, itwas so destructive that every
by giving an building in the area was completely
burned to the ground.
example. ‐North American predators include
grizzly bears, pumas, wolves, and foxes.
The meaning of an As a result Accordingly ‐The debris in the stadium stands
included numerous paper cups,
unknown word Because, Since ticket stubs, sandwich
wrappings, and cigarette butts.
depends on the Consequently For this
‐The monkey’s vociferous chatter
cause/effect reason made me wishI had earplugs.
‐ Katie’s belligerence surprised
relationship with Hence, if … then everyone. She threw her book
across the room, glared at Chris,and
other words in the then pushed him to the floor.

text.

The unfamiliar Look for a list ofwords

word is included in

a series of related

words that give an

idea of theword’s

meaning.

The meaning of an Look for clues overseveral

unfamiliarword can words or sentences

be inferred

(guessed) from the

description of a

situation.

The author

provides non‐

specific clues,

often spread over

the sentence or

numberof

sentences.

Directions: Read the sentences below. Then identify the

context clue and the meaning of the underline word. After that,
mark  the type of thecontext clue in the correct column.

No. Issue Clue Meaning

Definition
Example
Contrast

Ex. Circulate means to move around and return to the    
same place. 

1 Do you participate in one of the more popular    
avocations, such as jogging, tennis, or stamp collecting? 

2 Some spiders spin silk with tiny organs called    
spinnerets.

3 Many people dislike squid because it can be chewy   
sometimes.

However, when cooked right, it can be soft and tender.

4 Simians, which include monkeys, gorillas, and even   
humans, are naturally highly social animals.

5 A sedentary lifestyle is a lifestyle that involves a lot of sitting.   

Directions: Read the sentences below. Then identify the context
clue and the meaning of the underline word. After that, mark 
the type of thecontext clue in the correct column.

No. Issue Clue Meaning

Definition
Example
Contrast

1 Although at first he loathed the new neighbor, they became very    
close friends who appreciated each other. 

2 The patient experienced a sudden cardiac arrest, commonly    
known as a heart attack. 

3 Percussion instruments (drums, cymbals, and tambourines, etc.)   
form a main part of most tribal music.

4 While we do not like some rodents, like rats and mice, we keep   
certain types as pets: guinea pigs, squirrels, and hamsters.

5 Our math teacher might appear stern in class, but he is actually   
very kind out of class.

Directions: Read the sentences below. Then identify the context
clue and the meaning of the underline word. After that, mark 

the type of thecontext clue in the correct column.

1 Her makeup was perfect, and her clothes were immaculate.   

2 Mom was infuriated when she learned that I skipped classes.   

3 Like a snake swallowing its prey, he devoured his entire   
sandwich in one bite. 

4 He was fired because he was caught pilfering pens, paper, and  
other office supplies from the company.

5 Because she could not pay her rent, she was evicted. That’s why  
she had to pack her stuff and left.

6 While some animals just leave their offspring in the wild right 
after birth, elephants remain with their children until they are
old enough to takecare of themselves.