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English
Quarter 2 – Module 1:
Using Context Clues to Find
Meaning of Unfamiliar Words:
Definition, Exemplification
Subject Area – Grade Level
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Using Context Clues to Find Meaning of Unfamiliar Words:
Definition, Exemplification
First Edition, 2020

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Development Team of the Module

Writer: Fannie Almaquer – Salvatierra, PhD

Streamliner: Faith Marie P. Castillo

Editors: Lex Amor T. Dela Torre,MAELT, Judy V. Robles
Reviewer: Rachelle Tanghal – Amando, PhD
Illustrator: Fannie Almaquer – Salvatierra, PhD
Layout Artist: Fannie Almaquer – Salvatierra, PhD
Cover Art Designer: Ian Caesar E. Frondoza
Management Team: Allan G. Farnazo, CESO IV – Regional Director
Fiel Y. Almendra, CESO V – Assistant Regional Director
Concepcion F. Balawag, CESO V - Schools Division Superintendent
Edgar S. Sumapal - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Gilbert B. Barrera – Chief, CLMD
Arturo D. Tingson Jr. – REPS, LRMS
Peter Van C. Ang-ug – REPS, ADM
Gerardo O. Magno- REPS English
Pancho G. Balawag, Ed. D - CID Chief
Engr. Reynaldo SE Villan - EPS In Charge of LRMS
Vivencio O. Aniñon, Ed.D - Division ADM Coordinator
Rachelle T. Amando, PhD, EPS English

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Office Address: Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax: (083) 2288825/ (083) 2281893
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Introductory Message

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our

dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at
home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and
discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each
lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide
you step-by- step as you discover and understand the lesson
prepared for you.
Pre-test are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons
in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on
completing this module, or if you need to ask your facilitator or
your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson.
At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to
self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the
Teachers are also provided to the facilitators and parents for
strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on
your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks
on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering the exercises and tests. Read the instructions carefully
before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in
answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult
your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here
to help you master the use of Context Clues to find meaning of
unfamiliar words: Definition and Exemplification. The scope of this
module permits it to be used in many different learning situations.
The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of
students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence
of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed
to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module is divided into two lessons, namely:

 Lesson 1 – Using Context Clues to find meaning of unfamiliar
words through definition
 Lesson 2 – Using Context Clues to find meaning of unfamiliar
words through exemplification

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Determine meaning of unfamiliar words using context clues
through definition; and
2. Identify unknown words using clues through
exemplification.

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 What I Know

Now, before we go further in this module, I would like you to take this
pre-test to assess your prior knowledge on the lessons that you are
about to study. Let’s try some together.
Read the following statements and determine the meaning of the
underlined words. Use context clues to find out the meaning.
Encircle the letter of your answer.
1. Bibliographies are often located at the end of a chapter or
textbook to list books in which you may find more
information.
a. list of chapters c. list of books
b. list of dates d. list of maps

2. The carnivorous hawk, an animal that eats frogs, is found in

central and eastern Africa.
a. animal that eats rats c. animal that eats meat
b. animal that eats plants d. animal that eats frogs

3. The “cosmetic department," she directed the confused

customer, "is where you'll find skin moisturizers, perfumes
and other beauty products."
a. beauty products c. food products
b. school supplies d. furniture

4. In Britain, they call the trunk of a car the boot.

a. a small vessel propelled on water c. a serving dish
b. watercraft d. trunk of a car

5. A symbol is something that stands for something else.

a. a mark or sign c. flag
b. watermark d. object

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6. Many people have phobias, such as fear of heights, a fear of
water, or fear of confined spaces.
a. beauty c. wit
b. fear d. courage

7. Legumes, such as peas and beans, produce pods.

a. seeds of plants c. roots of plants
b. leaves of plants d. stem of plants

8. Most condiments, such as pepper, mustard and catsup, are

used to improve the flavor of foods.
a. main dish c. a spice or sauce that adds flavor
b. beverages d. a dessert

9. Trisha was suffering from anxiety. For example, when she

first read the first question on the test, she began to tremble.
a. coolness c. nervousness, or unease
b. serenity d. calmness

10. Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are
controlled by certain laws.
a. bits and pieces of Earth c. objects in Earth
b. bits of ice and stones d. objects in space

Nice one! You are now ready to discover more about

unlocking unfamiliar words through context clues.

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 Lesson Using Context Clues to Find
1 Meaning of Unfamiliar Words:
Definition, Exemplification
Context clues are hints in writing that help you figure out what a
difficult or unusual word means. Because most of your vocabulary
is gained through reading. It is important that you be able to
identify and take advantage of context clues.

What’s In

Now, before discussing our new lesson I have this drill for you.
I. Find the meaning of the words below using a dictionary.
Write it on a separate sheet of paper.

odd adj - legend n -

fantastic adj - path n -

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 II. Underline the examples of the highlighted words in each
sentence. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars are

governed by certain laws.
2. John was kicked-out from school because of several
violations of the rules, including smoking in the bathroom,
dressing improperly, and bringing sharp objects.
3. Dell’s mother was confused looking on the different milk
brands such as Alaska, Nido and Birch Tree.
4. Herbivores are animals like goat, horse and cow.
5. Teaching is a noble profession.

Nice answers! Now let’s try another activity.

Notes to the Teacher

What’s New

What do you need to open a locked room? Definitely, you’re

right! It’s a key. Just like decoding the meaning of unfamiliar words,
you need context clues such as definition and exemplification to
better understand the word. Now, I want you to do the following task
before we proceed further.

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Scenario:

It was a hot sunny day, Anarose was walking from school, tired and
exhausted. When she arrived home, she was very thirsty and she
needed water. She noticed that the door is locked but she can’tget
inside. What must she do?

Direction:

1. Encircle the key that will open the door. The key should
define the unfamiliar word written on the door.

2. Check the examples of “beverages” inside the house.

BEVERAGES

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 Drinks which you need to
sip or enjoy drinking slowly.

Liquids applied to external

skin.

Liquids used in washing

dishes.

What is It

Very nice! I am very pleased you were able to finish the task given
to you. This time let us get to know how to decode meaning of an
unfamiliar word with the use of context clues through definition
and exemplification.

Context Clues through: Definition

Part of reading comprehension involves using the other words in a
sentence or passage to understand an unknown term. We do this
by checking out the clues around the word. Thus, we use context
clues.
One of the approaches of unlocking words is through definition.
The meaning of an unfamiliar word is directly or explicitly
explained in the sentence.
Context clues also come in handy during tests when a dictionary or
the internet is not available to us.

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The clues for the unfamiliar expressions or terms are what we call
SIGNAL WORDS such as:
is, are is defined as
is/ are called means
that is refers to

Example:
Gerard was annoyed which means he was fuming mad

when he discovered that his friend had left for the party without him.

In the example above, the unfamiliar word is annoyed. For us to

decode the meaning of it, we checked out the clues around the
word and look for the signal words. In the sentence, the signal word
“means” leads us to the definition “fuming mad”. Therefore, the
meaning of the word “annoyed” is “fuming mad”.

In some cases, signal words are not visible in the sentence but we use
symbols like parentheses ( ) and hyphen ( — ) to infer the meaning of
an unfamiliar word.

Example:

I am so excited to see an eclipse (the total or partial obscuring of one

celestial body by another) tonight.

Life is complex – full of ups and downs.

The clue may appear within the same sentence or may follow in
the next sentence.

Congratulations! You learned easily how to determine meaning of

unfamiliar term using context clues through definition. Don’t you

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know that examples of a given expression could also help you
identify the meaning of an unfamiliar word?
This time, you will get to know about context clues through
exemplification.

Context Clues through Exemplification

We often see words which are new to us when we are reading our
favorite books. We always look for a dictionary or any reference to
know their meanings, but we are not aware that sometimes, the
meaning of an unfamiliar words are already stated as examples of a
word in the sentence or nearby sentences.

These are signal words which give us clues leading to example:

for example such as
for instance specifically
Including to illustrate

In some cases, signal words are not visible in the sentence but we use
symbols or punctuation clues like comma ( , ), colon ( : ) and hyphen (
— ) to infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Example: hyphen

It was a serene day in the whole community - sunny, warm and

perfect for a walk in the park.

In the example above, the unfamiliar word is serene. For us to

decode the meaning of it, we checked out the clues around the
term and look for the signal words. In the example, the signal word
is not visible instead it uses hyphen as a clue leading to the
meaning of the highlighted word. Therefore, the meaning of the
word “serene” is “calm”.

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Very nice! I am very pleased you were able to learn all about
context clues. Now, let’s try another activity.

What’s More

Activity #1. It is word detective time with context clues. Read the
sentence inside the magnifying glass. Spot and encircle the signal
words that will lead Detective Jun to accomplish his mission.
Underline his mission.
Mission: Determine the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
Write your answers on the Activity Learning Sheet.
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“Detective Jun”
1
Scientists are
looking for a vaccine
Pandemic is an that is a biological
outbreak of a preparation that
disease that provides active
occurs over a acquired immunity
wide geographic to a particular
area. infectious disease.

2 4
People
Locally Stranded
Individuals refers to quarantine
foreign nationals or themselves during
Filipino citizens who pandemic which
have expressed means they isolate
intention to return to
themselves from
their place of residence
or home origin.
elsewhere.

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Activity #2. Read the following sentences and encircle the signal
words. Underline the examples of the highlighted word. Write the
meaning of the unfamiliar word inside the face mask. Write your
answer on the Activity Sheet “Mask is a Must!”.

1. Certain types of physicians are actually facing

shortages like internists, pediatricians,
gynecologists and surgeons.

a. Doctors c. Nurses
b. Medical Technologies

2. Surgeons are physicians who treat diseases

and injuries through surgery such as fractions
and dislocations.

a. Damage to body c. Damage to skin

b. Damage to face

3. Some say residents in far-flung villages of the

Philippines like coastal towns of Maguindanao have
never seen a doctor from birth to death.

a. short distance c. outer space

b. great distance away

4. There are two types of face masks suitable for

community use: cloth masks and surgical masks.
b. use for disguises c. face covering
b. eyes wear

5. Eating a healthy diet remains the best way to get

sufficient amounts of the vitamins including Vitamin
A, B and C.
a. substances essential to the body
b. substances from animals
c. substances from plants

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 What I Have Learned

Now, let me check how far have you learned from our topic.
I have learned from this lesson that are hints
in writing that help us figure out what a word means. Thus, we can
decode meaning of an unfamiliar word with the use of contextclues
through and .
I also discovered that signal words such as ,
, and others are clues
that helps us look for the meaning of unfamiliar words.
I also realized that aside from context clues through definition, we
also have context clues through exemplification which also uses
signal words such as , ,
, .

Lastly, in some cases, signal words are not visible in the sentence
but we use symbols or punctuation clues like ,
and hyphen ( — ) to infer the meaning of an
unfamiliar word.

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 What I Can Do

Activity # 1 Read the sentences inside the entry point and identify
the signal words used as hint to decode the meaning of the
highlighted term. Write the letter of your answer on the circle.

ENTRANCE
1.Emy was covered with a.
dirt—the remains of that is
chocolate cake she ate.

2. We must use alcohol to

avoid germs that are b.
microorganisms, is defined
especially those which as
causes disease.

3. Bacteria that is defined

c.
as a type of biological cell means
are the first life forms to
appear on Earth.

4. I’ll take her

temperature that is the d.
—
degree of heat present in

5. In medicine, scanner
means a machine that
e.
examines the body that are
through the use of
radiation, ultrasound or
magnetic resonance
imaging.

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Activity #2 Read the sentences inside the bottle, encircle the signal
words and write the examples of the highlighted words inside
the droplets.

1.

2.
1. Most chest infections are usually
caused by germs such as bacteria or
viruses.

2. Sanitizer like alcohol-based is

used to decrease infectious agents on
3.
the hands.

3. Some vaccines are inactivated

such as rabies and hepatitis A virus
vaccine.

4. Not all bacteria are bad, some are

good like Rhizobium and Lactobacillus 4.
Acidophilus.

5. We must stay strong and healthy to

avoid infectious diseases such as
Influenza, Hand, Foot and Mouth
Disease and Hepatitis A. 5.

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That’s the way to do it! Now you’re up for the final challenge of
this module.

Assessment

I. Read the following sentences and underline the meaning of the

highlighted unfamiliar words using context clues.
1. We must strengthen our body’s energy which means the
strength for sustaining physical or mental activity.
2. We must take Vitamin C every day that is an essential
nutrient involved in the repair of tissue.
3. Eat fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system
that defends the body against infections.
4. Nutritious diet is an essential for good health and
nutrition.
5. One must check his lifestyle that is his particular way of
living.

II. Read the following sentences and encircle the examples of the
highlighted unfamiliar words.
1. The archeologist found different amulets, such as fangs of
crocodiles and old coins.
2. Constellations like the famous Leo, Perseus and Virgo can
be seen on a clear night.
3. Farmers in North Cotabato grew many crops such as corns,
beans and camote.
4. We must always be ready especially in times of calamities
like typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, floods and
landslides.
5. Usually heavy traffics are observed in metropolis for
instance Manila and Cebu City.

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I don’t want you get bored, so I prepare some additional
exciting activities for you. Have fun while learning!

Additional Activities

Activity #1. Choose the appropriate signal word to complete

the sentence inside Mr. Thinking Bulb. Check the shape with
the correct answer.

Circles, for instance

squares and
that refers rectangles are part of
Geometry
to a branch of
Mathematics that
deals with the
measurements,
properties and to illustrate
relationships of
points, lines and
angles.

such as
for
example

including
specifically

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Answers Key

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References
https://www.slideshare.net/russell.jean

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 Editor’s Note

This Self-learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd SOCCS KSARGEN

with the primary objective of preparing for and addressing the new normal.
Contents of this module were based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning
Competencies (MELC). This is a supplementary material to be used by all
learners of Region XII in all public schools beginning SY 2020 -2021. The
process of LR development was observed in the production of this module.
This is version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback, comments, and
recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education–SOCCSKSARGEN
Learning Resource Management System (LRMS)

Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax No.: (083) 2288825/(083) 2281893

Email Address: region12@deped.gov.ph