We are Learning...

To be able to answer Context Questions

• In these questions you are being asked to explain the meaning of a word/phrase and then explain how you were able to work it out from the context of the passage.

• They are Understanding Questions and usually worth 2 marks.

3-Step-Method

1. Explain what the word/phrase means.

2. Quote the words in the text which give you clues

3. and explain how they helped you work out the meaning.

Example Question and Answer

• 1. Show how the context helped you work out the meaning of the word “petulant”. (2)

The good natured young man hurried away, and Philip full of petulant rage, attempted to keep his childish temper in check, as he flooded her with a final steam of advice and injunctions- where to stop, how to learn Italian, when to use mosquito nets, what pictures to look at.

The word “petulant” means rude and insolent. The author refers to Philip’s “rage” and his “childish temper” which suggests that he is behaving badly and is sulky and irritable.

2. Show how the context helped you work out the meaning of the word “implacable”. (2)

Silverstein was implacable in pursuing his revenge. After years of patient searching he had finally come face to face with his father’s tormentor, and he showed no mercy.

The word “implacable” means relentless.The author refers to the fact that Silverstein

spent “years” of his life dedicated to finding this man, and that he was “patient” showing that he never gave up on his task and never stopped looking.

3. Show how the context helped you work out the meaning of the word “vacillated”. (2)

For two days the general vacillated. Should he give the order to advance, or should he allow his men to cling to their sturdy line of defence? This hesitation was to prove fateful.

The word “vacillate” means to keep changing your mind. The author refers to the general’s “hesitation” which suggests that he was not fully convinced about the correct decision to make, which caused him to waver over the orders to his men.

4. Show how the context helped you work out the meaning of the word “unsubstantiated”. (2)

The rumour that Douglas was a prisoner was still unsubstantiated. There had been no witnesses to his bailing out of the plane, and no solid information could be expected from beyond enemy lines for weeks, perhaps even months.

The word “unsubstantiated” means unconfirmed. The author tells us that there were “no witnesses” who could say for sure that the news about Douglas was true. The phrase “no solid information” also confirms that there was no firm proof that it happened.