Have you ever read a book and have

• Have you ever read a book and have no idea the meaning of some unfamiliar words? • How many times have you ever experienced it? • What do you usually do? – Open up your dictionary? – Ask your teacher for meaning? or

Use the context clues?

Using context clues to infer meaning

What is a context clue? • A clue • A co-text; word(s) surrounding the unfamiliar word • It is a word (s) that say “Don’t touch the dictionary or ask your teacher. The meaning of the word is there in the text. ”

Types of context clues Context clues can be in the forms of: • Examples • Explanation • Synonym • Antonym

Context clues: example Projectiles include those items that are shot forward such as a cannon shell, bullet, or rocket. Using the example clue, the word projectiles in this sentence means –things put down –things shot forward –things hurt –things broken

Context clues: explanation Katie appeared infallible in math class because she had never gotten a problem wrong. Using the explanation clue, the word infallible in this sentence means –never wrong –Mistaken –Wrong –incorrect

Context clues: synonym Jackie was filled with mortification, or shame, because of her careless remark. Using the synonym clue, the word mortification in this sentence means –Proud –Shame –Confident –happy

Context clues: antonyms Although Tom was anxious about the test, Tina was not worried at all. Using the antonym clue, the word anxious in this sentence means –Forgetful –Worried –Calm –not worried

Quick check Use context clues to infer the meaning of the word(s) printed in red

Google was a friend of mine when we were both in elementary school. Though we were very close, unlike me who was smart and had a quick response, he was a bit doltish. Having a slow response; easy to pick on

This math problem contains many conundrums, a mind-exercising puzzles. Ii can not even understand a thing. Puzzles; difficult problems/ questions

Even when the police officers put the handcuffs on Ms. Badweather, she maintained her dignity, holding her head up high as she was marched off the protest site. The state of quality of being worthy of honour/ respect

Yesterday was terrible in my class. We smelled something bad, like a rotten smell. I thought something putrid was in our trash can. Decayed and having unpleasant smell; rotten

Do you prefer stop and look up your dictionary for unfamiliar words Or Go on reading while inferring the meaning of the word(s) using context clues? Why?

• Use context clues to help you reading. • This will save your time and enhance your reading skills.

Try this Use context clues to infer the meaning of the word(s) printed in red

The professor was a favorite among the students at the college. His sagacity was helpful to them as they pursued their degrees. The professor was known to use his experience, insight, and common sense to help students pursue their education. Using the example clue, the word sagacity in this sentence means Silliness Thoughtlessness Wisdom negligence

An evanescent ring surrounded the moon as it rose. It was there for a moment, and then it disappeared. In this sentence, the word evanescent means Full Bright Brief ongoing

Uncle Ben tried to miss the rock in the road. It was futile. He hit it head on and soared over his handlebars. In this sentence, the word futile means Hopeless Able Needed final

Since his first appearance, Lionel Messi has been called the messiah in soccer. His superb talent is his big help when on the pitch. Being a soccer player is really his niche, his most suitable job. In this sentence, the word niche means Undesired job Most suitable job Unwanted job Most wanted job