What are context clues?

Context Clues These clues are hints that an author gives to help

define a difficult or unusual word within the text. The clue may appear within the same sentence

as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in the next sentence(s).

Why are context clues important?

Most of one’s vocabulary is gained through reading.

It is important that you be able to recognize and take advantage of context clues within text.

How many types are there?What are the types of context

clues? There are six (6) different kinds of context clues.

o Synonym clueso Antonym clueso Definition context clueso Example context clueso Word part context clueso General sense context clues

Synonym Context Clues

A synonym which appears in the sentence. o Also know as repeat context clueo Other word or words within the sentence that are

synonyms of the unknown word.

Antonym Context Clues

An antonym that has the opposite meaning of the word or words within the sentence. o Also known as contrast context clueo Other word or words have the opposite meaning of the

unknown word.

Definition Context Clue There is an explanation for an unknown word or

words given within the sentence. This may also come in the sentence immediately following.

Example Context Clue There are specific examples within the text used

to define the term.

Word part context clues

Word parts:• Prefix• Suffix• Root

These word parts will suggest at least part of the meaning of a word.

General Sense Context Clues

A general sense context clue lets the reader puzzle out a word meaning from whatever information is available.

This is the most common kind of context clue.