The three types of context clues
Definition, Contrast, Cause and Effect
For the project, the teacher said the design was UNALTERABLE, but the color could in fact be changed.
unchangeable
The student in Ms. Scott's Math class ASPIRES, or aims to achieve, spending the next four years at Harvard University.
aims to achieve
Because we LINGERED too long at the restaurant, we missed the beginning of the movie.
stayed back, took our time
The young teenager was TRANSPARENT rather than closed off with her parents.
open, honest
Definitino
The lead dog was so INCOMPETENT that he had to be replaced by one that was more intelligent and useful to the pack.
useless, stupid
Ms. Robinson was very disappointed to see a student not wearing their ID. She CHIDED him in the hallway, meaning she expressed her disapproval.
expressed her disapproval
Due to the DEARTH of food, the aardvark starved to death.
lack of, scarcity
Joe picked up the steaming slide of pizza and yowled as it INCINERATED his mouth.
burned
Type of context clue in which the opposite meaning of the unknown word is given.
Contrast
Although she was SKEPTICAL about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a good idea.
doubtful
The factory supervisor demanded an INSPECTION, or a careful and critical examination, of all of the meats processed each day.
a careful and critical examination
His lack of SAGACITY caused him to make one stupid decision after another.
wisdom, intelligence
There is a large demand all over the United States for plants INDIGENOUS to the desert. Many people in Arizona have made a good business of growing and selling cacti and other local plants.
Local, originating from a certain area
Type of context clue where the result of the unknown word is revealed.
Cause and Effect
The sight of the OMINOUS clouds told us that clear weather was far from our area.
stormy or dark
There are many SPECULATIONS, or theories, about what made the Ice Ages happen.
theories
She wanted to impress all her dinner guests with the food she served, so she carefully studied the necessary CULINARY arts.
He was so IMPUDENT to his mother that I would have punished him if he talked to me that way.
rude, disrespectful
What is the type of context clue used in this sentence:
There was a paucity, or lack, of information given about the assignment.
Some people are RETICENT, while others talk about their feelings freely.
secretive
The students were filled with DISDAIN for their teacher, for they strongly disliked her.
Dislike or lack of respect
A combination of fog and industrial smoke, called smog, has VITIATED the air in and around many big cities.
filled up
The AMBIGUITY of Joe’s directions made it almost impossible to find his house.
lacking in clarity