LESSON PLAN: Contextual Analysis - Achieve3000

LESSON PLAN:

Contextual Analysis

■■Preparation

Learning Objective Brief Definition
Students will learn the meaning of
unfamiliar words by analyzing nearby Contextual analysis involves inferring the meaning of an unfamiliar word
by analyzing text that is near it. Students benefit from learning about
context clues. five types of context clues: definition, example, synonym, antonym, and
general. (See table on next page: Types of Context Clues.)
Pacing
45–55 minutes Why Use This Lesson Plan?

Suggested Readings This lesson plan suggests a sequence for classroom instruction about
Teacher’s Choice one word-learning strategy. Students need word-learning strategies
because we cannot provide them with direct instruction in the meaning
of all unfamiliar words.

See Also Do Before Teaching
• Chapter 8: English Language
1. Select and print a News article that contains target words and
Learner Connections several associated context clues. Of the target words, at least
(Context Clues and Idioms). one should be familiar to students and at least one should be an
unfamiliar word.
• Chapter 9: Graphic Organizers
(Context Clues) 2. Write the target words on the board.

3. Draw the Context Clues Graphic Organizer on the board. (See
Chapter 9: Graphic Organizers) You might want to have print copies
of it available for your students.

©2012 Achieve3000, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Achieve3000 Lesson Plan Previewing Text Organizers and Finding Information

■■Types of Context Clues

Type Description Example

definition A definition of the unfamiliar word An American Goldfinch is a
is stated directly in the text. small, yellow bird.
SIGNAL WORDS: is, are, means, OR
refers to The American Goldfinch,
a small yellow bird, is common
in California.

synonym Another word or phrase that is A school, or group, of fish
similar in meaning is used in the text. moves in a harmonious pattern
SIGNAL WORDS: also, as, identical, through the water.
like, likewise, same, similarly, too, or

antonym Another word or phrase that is I thought a tomato was a

opposite in meaning is used in the text. vegetable, but it turns out to

SIGNAL WORDS: but, however, be a fruit.

in contrast, instead of, on the other

hand, though, unlike

example The text includes words or phrases To use less salt in cooking,
that are examples of the unfamiliar try fresh herbs, such as basil,
word. SIGNAL WORDS: for example, oregano, and rosemary.
including, such as

general Nonspecific clues are spread over Lacrosse is becoming more
several sentences in a text. popular. Players have to be able
to run up and down the field.
They also have to use a stick
with a little net to throw the ball
and make goals.

■■Teaching Routine

Confirming a Word’s Meaning Before Reading
Remind students that they can Introduce Lesson
confirm the meaning by checking a
dictionary or glossary or by consulting • Tell students that they will learn to use a strategy of analyzing
with someone who knows the word. context to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Teacher Direct Instruction/Modeling

• Explain that context clues are the words, phrases, and sentences
that surround an unfamiliar word. Introduce the five helpful kinds of
context clues: definition, example, synonym, antonym, and general.
(See table above.) You may want to focus on one or two types of
context clues for students who are new to this strategy.

Model the routine with the first word on your list. Complete the graphic
organizer as you do each step. (See Sample Graphic Organizer on the
following page.)

©2012 Achieve3000, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2

Achieve3000 Lesson Plan Previewing Text Organizers and Finding Information

Unhelpful Context Clues What context clues are in the sentence that contains the target
Let students know that sometimes word? (box 1)

context does not provide enough What context clues are in the nearby sentences? (box 2)
clues to determine a word’s meaning.
Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the target word?
Here are two cases: (box 3)

•Misdirective clues lead to an What is the “real” meaning of the word? Does this confirm my
incorrect meaning. Example: The meaning? (box 4)
artist, who only wears black, paints
During Reading
with vibrant colors. Student Practice

•Nondirective clues give no • Ask students to read the News article and identify the remaining
assistance in figuring out the meaning words and context clues. As they read, ask them to fill in the first
three boxes of the graphic organizer for each additional word.
of a word. Example: When we last
spoke, she sounded ebullient. • Have students come up with student-friendly definitions.

After Reading
Student Practice

• In small groups or as a class, discuss the student definitions
(box 3). Provide feedback that includes accurate student-friendly
definitions and ask them to confirm the meaning that they came up
with (box 4).

• Have students add their words to their student-friendly dictionary.

■■Sample Graphic Organizer

Target Word
inequity

Context Clues in Sentence
different treatment

Context Clues in Nearby Sentence
unfairness, injustice

Definition Based on Context Clues
Inequity is different treatment that is unfair.

©2012 Achieve3000, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “Real” Definition
unfairness, injustice; and unfair or unjust act

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