Vocabulary Context Clues Definition Main Idea Definition The
Vocabulary Context Clues
Definition / Main Idea Definition The author provides a definition of an unknown word in the sentence. The word is usually a familiar word or phrase. Clue Words is / are called was /were means refers to
Example: Definition Context Clue Entomology is the study of insects. Martha is a curator, a person who is responsible for looking after a museum’s collection. Haberdashery is a store that sells men’s clothing, they are becoming more common today.
Synonym or Restatement Definition The author uses a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as the unknown word. Sometimes the unfamiliar word is separated from the rest of the sentence with commas, dashes, or parentheses. Clue Words sometimes or that is in other words
Example: Synonym or Restatement Meat eaters, that is carnivores, are at the top of the food chain. The goslings---those fuzzy baby geese--- waddled after their mother. She enjoyed biology (the study of living things).
Antonym or Contrast Definition The author uses another word or phrase that is different or means the opposite of an unfamiliar word. Clue Words But However Although Otherwise Not Instead On the other hand While
Examples: Antonym or Contrast Mike’s parrot was loquacious but Maria’s said very little. Emma had a lot of anxiety about the exam but I had no worries about it. Marty is gregarious, not like his borther who is quiet and shy.
Comparison Definition The comparison clues, the author uses words and phrases that have the same or similar meaning as an unfamiliar word. Clue Words too like / also as just as similar to or in the same way
Examples: Comparison My brother is enthralled by birds similar to the way that I am fascinated by insects. Eating nutritious food is just as important as regular exercise. Kari’s happy face was luminous, like the rays of the sun.
Example Definition The author provides additional explanations or summaries to help you understand an unfamiliar word. Clue Words for instance such as for example such as specifically to illustrate
Examples: Example The team was elated when they won the trophy. The archeologist found different amulets, such as a rabbit’s foot and bags of herbs, near the ancient alter. His constant questioning of my remarks made him a nuisance.
List or Series Definition The unfamiliar word is included in a series of related words that give an idea of the word’s meaning. Clue commas in a series look for a list of words
Examples: List or Series North American predators include grizzly bears, pumas, wolves, and foxes. The debris in the stadium stands included lots of paper cups, ticket stubs, and sandwich wrapping.
Cause & Effect Definition The meaning of an unfamiliar word is signaled by a causeand-effect relationship of ideas in a text. Clue Words because, since as a result for this reason if…then consequently accordingly
Examples: Cause & Effect Since no one came to the first meeting, the attendance for the second one is mandatory for everyone. Due to a dearth of termites, the aardvark starved to death.
Description or Inference Definition The meaning of an unfamiliar word can be inferred from the description of a situation. Clues Look for clues over several words or sentences
Examples: Description or Inference The monkeys’ vociferous chatter made me wish I had earplugs. All animals share the same vital needs, such as food, water, and shelter. Katie’s belligerence surprised everyone. She threw her book across the room, glared at Chris, and then pushed him to the floor.
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