Vocabulary

Using context clues

Context Clues6 main types

• Definition• Restatement• Example• Comparison• Contrast• Inference

1. Definition

• Signaled words or phrases–Or–Which is–Also called/also known as–That is–In other words

Definition

• Our teacher received a small stipend, or payment, for giving travel lectures to local clubs.

• Signal word – or • Gives you enough info to understand– Stipend = payment

• To fully understand, check the dictionary

Definition

• Stipend = payment (context clues)• Stipend: a payment made from an

allotment of money set aside for a particular purpose, most often for services beyond a person’s regular job duties. (dictionary)

2. Restatement

• Provides words or phrases that are another way of saying the definition

• Example:

• The company did a lucrative business last year; sales and profits doubled.

–Lucrative = profitable

Restatement

• Complete your examples… 1-6

3. Example• Provides examples• Determine category• Signaled words or phrases– Such as/Like– For example/For instance–Other – Especially– This/These

Example• The governor asked that farmers

make use of all arable land such as corn and wheat fields.

• What do corn and wheat have in common?–Crops raised in fields–Arable = land that can grow crops

Example

• Complete your sentences…7-12

4. Comparison

• Gives you clues–As–Like–Similar to–Also–Related to –In the same way

Comparison

• Look for what is compared (use clues)• Identify characteristic of word you

know• Apply characteristic to new word• Define new word

Comparison

• The tawny dog, as golden as a lion, startled us.

• Comparing dog to lion (signal word as)• Lion is gold• Dog must be gold• Tawny = golden

Comparison

• Exercise time…do 13-18

5. Contrast• Differences• Signal clues:–But–Unlike–Although–On the contrary– Even though–However

Contrast

• Look for difference (signal clues)• Find characteristic of word you know• That characteristic NOT true for new

word• Define new word

Contrast• The judge was unwilling to give a

harsh punishment to the defendant since he was so young; however, he was hesitant to give a punishment that showed too much clemency in the case.

• Clemency = mildness or compassion

Contrast

• Your turn…do 19-24

6. Inference

• Isn’t directly stated• Look at details & add them up

• While exploring the ancient pyramids in Egypt, the scientist discovered the mummy of a king buried in a sarcophagus with elaborate designs.

Inference

• While exploring the ancient pyramids in Egypt, the scientist discovered the mummy of a king buried in a sarcophagus with elaborate designs.

• Sarcophagus = coffin used in ancient times for burying the dead

Inference

• Your turn…finish 25-30