Context Clue #1
To figure out the meaning of a new word in a sentences, I look at the surrounding words and hints.
What are context clues?
These change the meaning of a word, and can be found at the beginning of the word.
What are PREFIXES
Signal words that an antonym is coming up in the sentence.
What are the following signal words: like, however, but, yet, in contrast to
The surprise party was a FIASCO since Judy knew about it all along. The meaning of the word FIASCO?
What is FLOP, DUD, DISAPOINTMENT?
-ly, -ic, -tion, -ed, -est, -ing, and -es are examples of ___________.
What are suffixes?
These special markers indicate if the sentence is a question, complete thought, excitement or shouting...
What are punctuation marks?
Give 2 synonyms for the word 'clue'.
What are hints, evidence, inkling, cue, and lead?
Jane is lively and outgoing, but her sister is very INTROVERTED. INTROVERTED means....
What is shy or quiet?
Carnivorous animals, lions, tigers and bears, all roam the woods at night. What does Carnivorous mean?
What are meat eaters?
What are the 2 synonyms in this sentence:
The dilapidated, worn down house will be sold Friday.
What is dilapidated and worn down?
This is the word part that can't be broken down into any other word part.
What are ROOT or BASE WORDS?
What are the 2 antonyms in the following sentence:
The store usually sells only fresh floral arrangements, but today everything looked withered.
What is FRESH and WITHERED?
The burglary was foiled when the police were told about it the day before it happened.
What does the word "FOILED" mean?
What is spoiled, figured out, disrupted?
Billy's apparel, blue jeans, t-shirt and cap, were all very old and worn looking. What is APPAREL?
What is CLOTHING?
What is the difference between a prefix and a suffix?
A prefix goes at the beginning of the word and can change the word's meaning (vocabulary).
A suffix goes at the end of the word and tells about the number or tense (grammar).
Multiple meaning word: 'Brilliant'
Come up with 2 sentences using each of the definitions of the word 'brilliant'.
1. smart - The brilliant student aced their test.
2. colorful, cheerful - The picture showed the brilliant colors of the sun setting.
The gloomy, DISMAL weather continued for three days after the hurricane came through. The sun never came out once. Define DISMAL.
What is dark, sad, gloomy?
What are some strategies to improve your vocabulary skills?
Read something everyday, keep a vocabulary notebook, draw or visualize examples, annotate or take notes, use the new word in a sentence, etc...
She was averse to the decision, against everything it stood for. What does averse mean?
What is against?