In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Understanding the different types of context clues helps kids when figuring out the meanings of unknown words. The best way I have found to teach the different types of context clues is to use an anchor chart with the definitions for the different types of context clues as well as examples of context clues. Pretty simple right? But it’s effective. I wouldn’t include all of the types of context clues at one time. I suggest teaching one a day and adding it to the chart after you teach it. As you add to the chart, students can record it in a notebook. This helps kids to actually use the chart because they’ve helped create it. Context Clues DefinitionsDefinition– when a sentence includes the definition or explanation of the unknown word Synonym– a word that has the same meaning is used in the text Antonym– a word that has the opposite meaning is used in the text Example– an example is used to explain what the unknown word means Inference– you need to look for clues before or after the unknown word and infer the meaning Examples of Context CluesCreate an anchor chart not only with the definitions but have one with examples. Sometimes it’s easier for kids to understand the types of context clues with examples. Here is an example of each type of context clue that you can include on an anchor chart. Definition Context Clue– My friend is sometimes hasty when he does his homework. He does it too quickly and is careless. Synonym Context Clue– I was astonished and amazed when I won free tickets to the concert! Antonym Context Clue– My sister is compassionate but sometimes she can be mean. Example Context Clue– The vase is delicate because it can break easily. Inference Context Clue– My team will win the game because we are determined to do our best. Vocabulary in ContextOnce you teach each type of context clues you’ll want to teach using them. One of my favorite ways to teach vocabulary in context is with picture books. When reading a picture book you can usually find at least one or more types of context clues. I pick 6 words from the book and teach 3 of them using context clues. We discuss how to figure out the word meanings by using one of the types of context clues. Do you need a fun game for practicing context clues? I wrote about a fun game for reviewing them in this post. By Kelly Roell, About.com Guide When you're working on the reading section of a standardized test, you're going to have to employ some serious reading prowess to get you through. Knowing the various types of context clues can help you understand difficult vocabulary words in context, which is a must on a long reading section. You'll also need to know how to determine the main idea and make inferences, and context clues can help you out there, too. Context Clue #1: Definition or Restatement The meaning of the vocabulary word is in the sentence itself, usually following the vocabulary word. Jack's duplicity – crafty dishonesty – caused him to steal his coworker's pensions by funneling their money into an offshore account. Context Clue #2: Synonym The sentence uses a similar word to help explain the meaning of the vocabulary word. The baseball coach punished the team's duplicity or deceitfulness after they admitted to using steroids to boost their batting averages. Context Clue #3: Antonym /Opposite/Contrast The sentence uses a word with an opposite definition to give the meaning of the vocabulary word. It was your duplicity that caused me to break up with you! Had you been honest, I wouldn't have felt the need. Unlike my last employee who had integrity to spare, you have nothing more than duplicity and will not receive a recommendation from me for another job. Context Clue #4: Example or Explanation This type of context clue uses examples to help the reader infer the meaning of the vocabulary word. His duplicity involved lowering his employee's salaries, increasing their stock options, and then stealing the money he saved by doing so. I was aghast at her duplicity when she stole my diamond earrings, sold them on eBay and lied to me about it the whole time. Roell, Kelly. "Four Types of Context Clues - Types of Context Clues." Test Prep - Test Prep Tips for the SAT, GRE, ACT, GMAT, LSAT. About.com, 2010. Web. 17 Sept. 2010. <http://testprep.about.com/od/readingtesttips/a/Con_Clue_Types.htm>. Sometimes, when we read a given portion of text, we’re not entirely sure what’s going on. This is where context clues come in. Context clues provide further information about a word or phrase that helps readers understand its meaning. These clues offer insight - either directly or indirectly - into the portion of text that’s difficult to understand. Let’s explore various examples of context clues to see how they work. The most basic, and perhaps helpful, type of context clues are synonyms. If you can’t decipher a meaning, adding a few synonyms, or words with similar meanings, is a surefire way to point to a word’s meaning. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
A synonym is one way to understand meaning. But, how about a straightforward definition? It’s hard to misconstrue a context clue when the actual definition is provided. Here are a few examples:
Sometimes, the best way to understand something is to understand what not to do or what something isn’t. In the same way, an antonym, or an opposite, can convey meaning. If you point out the differences, you can come to understand each component better.
Has a friend or family member ever asked you to just come right out with it? Sometimes, readers don’t want to search for your meaning. Instead, if you provide a bigger picture and offer added detail or context, the reader will come to understand the tricky word. Here are some examples:
Even the most esteemed intellectuals have to look up a word from time to time. However, in the moments when we don’t have access to our cell phones or laptops, a couple strong context clues might help us understand a given line’s meaning. In the meantime, there are a couple ways to ward off your uncertainty surrounding new words or phrases. Make it a goal to increase your vocabulary. These tips will help you set sail on a lifetime of learning.
|