Context Clues Definition Examples
In this set of tutorial for beginners, learners will be knowledgeable about “Context Clues”. What is “Context Clues” all about?. What are the uses of “Context Clues”. How “Context Clues” use to find the meaning of new words?.
The purpose of the lesson is to increase students’ comprehension and teach them to figure out unfamiliar words using Context Clues. Cut down on questions for teacher and the use of dictionaries to find word meaning.
I. Objectives: At the end of the lesson the students would be able to;
1. Identify context clues, i.e. synonyms, antonyms, restatements, definitions, examples
2. Tell the meaning of context clues
3. Use context clues to find the meanings of new words
II. Subject Matter: Context Clues
Materials: Activity Sheets
III. Procedure/ Activities
A. Pre Activity/ Warm up
1. Drill
Definition Synonym Explanation
Antonym Example
B. Lesson Proper
1. Motivation
Say to the class: I want you to be word detectives. As word detectives you may not have a case.
2. Presentation
Today you will be working on context clues. There is a way for word detectives to find the meaning of new words by themselves.
the meaning of new words by themselves.
3. Discussion
On the board write “context clues”
Explain that context clues are words that come before or after the new word and that there are several different kinds of context clues, saying them and reviewing their meanings as you write on the board.
1. definition- using statement of the meaning of a word
2. synonym – a word or phrase that means the same as another
3. antonym – a word opposite in meaning to another
4. example – by using illustration, a thing or characteristic of its kind
5. explanation- statement or circumstance that explains something
Write these sentences on the board, underlining the unfamiliar words. Do not write the answers in the parenthesis.
1. The puppy, which is a baby dog, feed out of his mother’s breast. (Definition)
2. The beach was covered with debris like paper and cans, and the children picked up all the trash. (Synonym)
3. The ancient dress looked like new after she washed it. (Antonym)
4. Every day he brought a delectable, delicious, wonderful, yummy lunch to school. (Example)
5. My mother used to pull across the bay to catch flounder. Pull is a word that is sometimes used to mean row. (Explanation)
Ask students to identify the meaning of each new word and tell which kind of context clue was used to unlock the word’s meaning. Write the correct answers after each sentence.
Expand your discussion using the graphic organizer below.
Context Clues
4. Generalization
What is a context clue?
– Context clues are hints that help readers discover the meaning of unfamiliar words.
What are the different kinds of context clues?
– The different kinds of context clues are:
1. definition
2. synonym
3. explanation
4. antonym
5. example
Let the whole class read and then in groups and then some selected students.
5. Practice Exercises/ Group Activity
(Please refer to group activity sheets)
VI. Evaluation:
Read and identify the kind of context clues used in each sentence and write your answer on the space provided for.
__________1. Zack was a good at many sports. He exalted in swimming, running, horsemanship, fencing and target shooting. He decided to compete in the pentathlon rather than having to choose one of the events.
Using the example clue, the word pentathlon in this sentence means
a. competition with two events c. competition with ten events
b. competition with eight events d. competition with five events
____________2. The voters were so upset about the outcome of the election that a skirmish broke out and the police had to break it up.
Using the explanation clue, the word skirmish in this sentence means
a. fight c. hurricane
b. sunshine d. creature
____________3. The man was sent to the penitentiary, or prison, for stealing cars.
Using the synonym clue, the word penitentiary in this sentence means
a. paradise c. prison
b. hotel d. heaven
___________4. Although Mary was willing to play in the snow, Jack was reluctant because he was so cold.
Using the antonym clue, the word reluctant in this sentence means
A. ready C. not willing
B. willing D. excited
V. Assignment
For each sentence, write three words that could be used to complete the sentence.
1. My dress is ____. It is my favorite color.
______________ _____________ ______________
2. I take a nap at ____. It is the best time of day for a nap.
______________ _____________ ______________
5. Mom and I waited a long time in the doctor’s waiting room. After a bit, we sat and read a ____.
______________ _____________ ______________
VI. Remediation/ Enrichment
For slow learners you can review them on the kind of context clue they find difficult and give example and then give simple exercises for them to work on.
VII. Reinforcement
For the higher functional students you can give this exercise for them to figure out.
Write the meaning and give another word to complete.
Although we could hear the crickets chirping, the night was serene. Camping has always been one of our family’s favorite events. We love to be outdoors enjoying nature. If you’ve never tried camping before, you should try it. You just might like it.
1. What does the word serene mean?
_________________________________________________________
2. What is another word that means the same thing as serene?
__________________________________________________________
Adam decided to try out for the talent show at school. He practiced his stand-up comedy routine for hours each evening. At the tryouts, he followed a boy whose banal jokes left the judges yawning. Adam’s hilarious routine landed him the part.
3. What does the word banal mean?
___________________________________________________________
4. What is another word that means the same thing as banal?
___________________________________________________________
Practice Exercises/ Group activity
Group Activity Sheets
Group Activity 1
Context Clues: Explanations
Read and write the letter of the correct answer on the space provided for each number.
____1. Katie appeared infallible in math class because she had never gotten a problem wrong.
Using the explanation clue, the word infallible in this sentence means
a. never wrong c. wrong
c. mistaken d. incorrect
____2. The tornado annihilated the whole town to the point that nothing was left standing
Using the explanation clue, the word annihilated in this sentence means
a. destroyed c. created
b. saved d. constructed
____3. We could tell by the rotten smell, that something putrid was in our trash can.
Using the explanation clue, the word putrid in this sentence means
a. ample c. rotten
b. alive d. appealing
____4. Phyllis felt elated when she won the race.
Using the explanation clue, the word elated in this sentence means
a. sick c. tired
b. miserable d. happy
____5. The insidious burglar was able to sneak into the house without being heard or seen.
Using the explanation clue, the word insidious in this sentence means
a. strong c. clumsy
b. loud d. sneaky
Group Activity 2
Write the meaning and give another word.
Complete.
1. As I walked past several rows and back toward the aft part of the airplane, a sudden fear came over me. I sat down in my seat, but the feeling wouldn’t go away. Just seconds before the flight attendant was to close the entry door, I walked off the plane. The next day, I saw in the paper that the airplane I was on had crashed into a field in Missouri.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word aft.
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ _____________________
2. It was dubious to us exactly what Mr. Wayne Wright was telling us. He would talk about the need for more computers, but then say that we had too many computers. I’m not exactly sure what we need, but I don’t think he is either.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word dubious.
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ ______________________
3. Keith and his friend were watching a dramatic movie. In the film, the bad guy was trying to obliterate the world. Then there would be no Earth left. It was a good thing the police caught him and saved the world.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word obliterate.
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ ______________________
4. Mom and Dad were trying to decide how to update the family room. They couldn’t agree on most things like what furniture to buy. Finally, after many discussions, they at least agreed on what hue they wanted the walls to be painted.
Write a synonym and a definition for the word hue
Synonym: Definition:
_____________________ ______________________
Group Activity 3
Read and write the letter of the correct answer on the space provided for each number.
Context Clues: Antonyms
____1. Although Tom was anxious about the test, Tina was not worried at all.
Using the antonym clue, the word anxious in this sentence means
A. forgetful C. worried
B. calm D. not worried
____2. Two new girls started school this week. Beth has a gregarious personality. Jenna is rather quiet.
Using the antonym clue, the word gregarious in this sentence means
A. shy C. bashful
B. timid D. outgoing
____3. If you don’t conquer your fears, they will beat you.
Using the antonym clue, the word conquer in this sentence means
A. lose B. win
C. talk about D. forget
____4. While Lily was careful not to be seen as she peeked out the window, Phil was not as cautious and was seen!
____5.Using the antonym clue, the word cautious in this sentence means
A. careful B. not careful
C. risky D. trouble
5. Although the princess is familiar to those in London, she is unknown to the rest of the world.
Using the antonym clue, the word familiar in this sentence means
A. pretty C. smart
B. old D. well-known
For more readings
- ing Verbs English Lesson and Exercises – ing Forms, Spelling Rules and Grammar
- Present Simple Verb Tense | Present simple English Verb
- Modal Verb Could – Form, Use and Meaning in English
- To and Towards – Confusing English words | Vocabulary
- Conjunctions “And” “But” “Or” and “So”- English Lesson For Beginners
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