TYPES OF CONTEXT

CLUES
 WORDS IN CONTEXT

The context of the word is the setting

in which it is used – the words and
the information around it in the
passage.
1.Synonym Clue – a word near
an unfamiliar word that means
the same as the familiar word
in the sentence

Ex. Most cats abhor

taking a bath; they
hate getting wet.
2. Antonym Clue – a word near
an unfamiliar word that means the
opposite. There will be a
transition word which signals
contrast.

EX. Mitch usually esteems his

teachers, but for some reason he
dislikes Mr. Smith.
Definition Clue – the meaning of the new
word is given right before or right after the
new word, often separated by commas.

Ex. Mary was a versatile, or

many-talented, performer.
Description Clue – the meaning of
the unfamiliar word can be determined
because the meaning fits things you
know to be true about the subject.

Ex. Duke was as ravenous as a shark

that hasn’t eaten for a month. (We
already know that a shark that hasn’t
eaten for a month would be VERY
hungry.)
Watch out for these
tricky answers!!!

1. A similar spelling
2. An opposite meaning
3. A definition that could be correct
but is not appropriate for the context
1. Sitting on the shelf, the cookie jar was
inaccessible to the small child.
a. difficult to reach
b. delicious
c. capable of being influenced
d. handy

2. Josh was a hypocrite, acting as if he liked

the Jones when he really didn’t.
a. friendly person
b. person to pretends to be what he is not
c. sincere person
d. boring person
3. The mill has to pulverize the grain to make flour.
a. break into large pieces
` b. Make disappear
c. crush into powder
d. plant

4. Fearing someone would find out, Chang remained

anonymous when calling the police about the
suspects.
a. unpaid
b. angry
c. unidentified
d. known