Target Goal:

I can define unknown words using context clues.

SAT Example

Each occupation has its own ____ ; bankers, lawyers and computer professionals, for example, all use among themselves language which outsiders have difficulty following.A. merits B. disadvantages C. rewards D. jargon E. problems

ACT Example“ Now this is the point. You fancy me mad. Madmen know

nothing. But you should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded-with what caution-with what foresight-with what dissimulation I went to work!”

As used in the passage , the word fancy most nearly means: A. decorativeB. desireC. thinkD. like

OGT Example

What does it mean to define words using context?

Take the word apart:Remember the prefix con means “with” and if

you add the root text – the term context literally means within the text.

Thus, context is the hints or clues that surround the word in the sentence or surrounding sentences that may help define the unknown word.

There are seven types of context clues.

• Definition• Synonym• Antonym• Comparison/Contrast• Example• Summary• Cause and Effect

Definition

• The author provides a direct definition of an unknown word in a sentence.

Example: Dr. Smith is an optometrist, a doctor who sees patients regarding eye health.

• All context clue types have words that signal the type of context clue. There are called signal or “flag” words. For definition context clues the signal words are:

is, are, means, and refers to

Synonym

The author uses a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or other words in a sentence.

Signal words: also, as, identical, like, likewise, resembling, same, similar, too

Example: Hurricane Katrina

caused catastrophic damages to new Orleans much like Hurricane Ike caused ruinous conditions in Texas.

Antonym

The author uses anotherword or phrase thatmeans the opposite of an unfamiliar word.

Signal words: but, however, in contrast, instead of, on the other hand, though, unlike

Example: I abhor math, but I adore reading.

Comparison and ContrastIn comparison clues, the writer uses similar words orphrases to the unfamiliar word, In contrast clues, the writer uses opposite words or phrases to the unfamiliar term.Signal words: although, conversely, different from, however, in contrast, more than , similarly, to compare

Example: I enjoy biking and hiking, however, I loathe running.

Example

• The writer provides words that are examples of an unfamiliar word.

• Signal words: for example, for instance, including, like, such as, that is, specifically, to illustrate

In class we are learningabout the judicial system including, the judge, the plaintiff, the defendant and the jury.

Summary

• Words in a sentence provide a summary of what the unknown word means

• Hint: Most often there is no signal word since the summary is provided in the sentences that are before or after the word.

Brian is a conscientious student. He always does all of his homework in a detailed and careful

manner. He listens well in class and is sure to participate when the teacher asks the class a question.

Cause and Effect• The cause of the sentence

is stated in unknown words, but the effect is stated in known words. OR - The effect of the sentence is stated in unknown words, but the cause is stated in known words.

Since no one came to the first staff meeting, attendance to the second one is mandatory for all staff.

Signal words: since, because, as a result,accordingly, consequently, for this reason, hence, due to

Practice #1

The hapless flounder was caught in a net, hung on a hook, and later fried in a pan.

What are the context clues that could help you define hapless in the sentence if this was an unfamiliar word to you? What type of context clue is this?

Practice #1 Explained

The hapless flounder was caught in a net, hungon a hook, and later fried in a pan.

Hapless means unlucky or unfortunate. Thewords “caught in a net, hung on a hook, andlater fried in a pan” could help you define the word. This is a summary context clue.

Practice #2

Because Casey was frugal with purchases, sheusually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the end of the week.

What are the context clues that could help you define frugal in the sentence if this was an unfamiliar word to you? What type of context clue is this?

Practice #2 Explained

Because Casey was frugal with purchases, sheusually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the end of the week.Frugal means careful with one’s money and thrifty. The words “she usually had a few dollars left in her wallet at the end of the week could help you define the word”. This is a cause-effectcontext clue. Because is a signal word.

Practice #3

If Logan would have enunciated his words,instead of mumbling during his speech, his grade would have been better.

What are the context clues that could help you define enunciated in the sentence if this was an unfamiliar word to you? What type of context clue is this?

Practice #3 Explained

If Logan would have enunciated his words,instead of mumbling during his speech, his grade would have been better.

Enunciate means to clearly pronounce. Theword “mumble” is the context clue. This is anantonym context clue. The signal words are “instead of”.

Create your own sentences:• Interloper – one who moves in where he or

she is not wanted; an intruder• Aplomb – poise, great self-confidence• Intrinsic – belonging to something or

someone naturally, inherently, organically• Lassitude – weariness of mind or body• Bombastic – pompous or overblown

language• Callow – without experience, immature, not

fully developed

Group Practice #1:Define the bolded word

The family commiserated with her after the lossof her old and faithful dog.a. To be angry withb.To feel regret forc. To sympathize withd.To have forgiveness for

Answer #1 ExplainedThe family commiserated with her after the lossof her old and faithful dog.a. To be angry withb.To feel regret forc. To sympathize withd.To have forgiveness forLetter C is the correct answer because anexample of when you would commiserate with someone is given

Group Practice #2

My grasp of trigonometry was tenuous, until Iattended the extra-help sessions which helpedmake everything clearer.A.StrongB.VagueC.TenderD.Substantial

Answer #2 ExplainedMy grasp of trigonometry was tenuous, until Iattended the extra-help sessions which helpedmake everything clearer.A. StrongB. VagueC. TenderD.SubstantialThe correct answer is B due to the cause and the effect context clue. Because he went to the help sessions, the effect was everything is clearer. Clearer is an antonym for tenuous.

Independent Practice: Define the bolded word

With dramatic gestures, our fans exhorted the team to play harder.

a. Discouragedb.Trespassedc. Urgedd.Prayed

Independent Practice #2: Define the bolded word

A hot bowl of soup can ameliorate the discomforts of even the coldest day.a. Improveb.Worsenc. Experienced.Warm

Independent Practice #3: Define the bolded word

You may ascribe these holes on gophers, but I blame the dog next store.a. To writeb.To creditc. To have an intense disliked.To give a result