Context Clues
Context Clues
Context Clues
the Detective
Context Clues – What Are They?
• Context clues are bits of information from
the text that, when combined with prior
knowledge, allow you to decide the
meaning of unknown words in the story or
article you are reading.
• As a reader you must act similar to a
detective and put together clues from
sentences surrounding an unknown word
in order to make an intelligent “guess” as
to what the definition of a word is.
Context Clues – How Do They Help
You Read New Words?
• Textbook writers and authors include
words or phrases to help their readers
understand the meaning of a new or
difficult word.
• These words or phrases are built into the
sentences around the new or difficult
word. By becoming more aware of the
words around a difficult word, readers can
make logical guesses about the meanings
of many words.
Still Wondering What a
Context Clue Is?
Clickon the link below to watch a
video clip. Pay careful attention to
what the song tells you.
When the video is over click the back
arrow Z in the upper left hand
corner.
Types of Context Clues
Authors use many different
types of context clues when
writing texts. Three of these
types are:
Directdefinition context clues
Synonym context clues
EXAMPLE:
Joe was reluctant to take the job of captain
of the team. He was afraid that the time it
would take would hurt his grades. On the
other hand, Billy was eager for the chance to
be the team captain.
In this sentence the words “on the other hand”
and “eager” tell us that Billy feels the opposite of
Joe, therefore, reluctant means uncertain or
cautious.
Now it is your turn to be
a detective and follow
the clues!
Dear Diary,
Until tomorrow,
Ryan
Directions
It’s time for some detective work.
Take each word from Ryan’s diary
that is written in his new language
and use the context clues in the text
to figure them out!
Let’s begin…
What could the word poof-poofs mean?
► The sentences tell me it is something that can be eaten. I know that it is a
breakfast food because Ryan said it was morning. I also know that it goes
in a bowl. What do you think it is?
► The most logical guess would be a type of cereal.