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CONTEXT CLUES
Context Clues
are hints that the author gives to help define a difficult or unusual
word. The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which
it refers, or it may follow in a preceding sentence. Because most of
your vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that you
be able to recognize and take advantage of context clues.
Types of context
clues.
There are at least four kinds of context clues that are quite common.
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Synonym
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A synonym,
or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence.
My opponent's
argument is fallacious, misleading – plain wrong.
|
| |
Antonym |
A word or
group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning
of an unknown term.
Although some
men are loquacious, others hardly talk at all.
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Explanation |
The unknown
word is explained within the sentence or in a sentence immediately
preceding.
The patient
is so somnolent that she requires medication to help
her stay awake for more than a short time.
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Example |
Specific examples
are used to define the term.
Celestial
bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed
by predictable laws.
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Read the following
sentences and define the bolded word based on the context clue. Then
identify which of the four types of clues is used.
| 1. |
The girl who
used to be very vociferous doesn't talk much anymore. |
| 2. |
Pedagogical
institutions, including high schools, kindergartens, and colleges,
require community support to function efficiently. |
| 3. |
He was so parsimonious
that he refused to give his own sons the few pennies they needed
to buy pencils for school. It truly hurt him to part with his money. |
| 4. |
His pertinacity,
or stubbornness, is the cause of most of his trouble. |
| 5. |
Rather than
be involved in clandestine meetings, they did everything
quite openly. |
| 6. |
Ecclesiastics,
such as priests, ministers, and pastors, should set models of behavior
for their congregants. |
| 7. |
The girl was
churlish – rude, sullen and absolutely ill-mannered. |
| 8. |
Because the
conflagration was aided by wind, it was so destructive that
every building in the area was completely burned to the ground. |
excerpted from Irwin
L. Joffe's Opportunity for Successful Reading, 3rd ed., 153-55
ANSWER KEY TO CONTEXT
CLUES HANDOUT
| 1. |
Type of Context
Clue–contrast
definition of vociferous–talkative; outspoken |
| 2. |
Type of Context
Clue–example
definition pedagogical–having to do with teaching |
| 3. |
Type of Context
Clue–explanation
definition of parsimonious–stingy; tightfisted |
| 4. |
Type of Context
Clue–synonym
definition of pertinacity–mulish; stubborn |
| 5. |
Type of Context
Clue–contrast
definition of clandestine–secret; hidden |
| 6. |
Type of Context
Clue–example
definition of ecclesiastics–member of the clergy |
| 7. |
Type of Context
Clue–synonym
definition of sullen–rude |
| 8. |
Type of Context
Clue–explanation
definition of conflagration–fire |
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