Name That Clue
Which type of context clue is used to help determine the meaning of the italicized word below?
James looked at his friend Cooper. He was so good at basketball. He was full of envy, or jealousy, of his skill.
A. Antonym B. Synonym C. Definition D. Example E. Inference
B. Synonym
I love going to the pool with my little brother. The shallow end of the pool is best for little kids. It’s not very deep.
Shallow means having a ______ distance to the bottom from the surface. (small/large)
Small
Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
Our family gets together on an annual, or yearly, basis. Usually, we meet in the summer. We have a big barbecue in the park.
something that happens once a year
Using the context clues and word’s parts to help you, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
Miriam’s face turned beet red. She wished she was invisible so that no one could see her. Then, she wouldn’t be so embarrassed.
can’t be seen or impossible to be seen
Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
We visited a dairy farm. Every day, the cows go out to the meadow, a big green field of grass. They spend most of their day there.
big green field of grass or an area of land covered with grass
Which type of context clue is used to help determine the meaning of the italicized word below?
The crickets began to chirp. Dusk had come to the farm, which meant the sun was setting. Soon the owl would come out.
A. Antonym B. Synonym C. Definition D. Example E. Inference
C. Definition
Mom got out all of the tools. “We need a sturdy and strong table to work on,” she said. “Why don’t we work on the bench in the garage?” I suggested.
Sturdy means made to be ______. (strong/weak)
Strong
Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
We need the answer to be prompt. We can’t wait for a slow answer. It would come too late!
something that happens right away or quickly
Using the context clues and word’s parts to help you, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
A century, or one hundred years, ago life was very different. Movies were silent. Cars were still very new and exciting.
a period of time equal to 100 years
Which type of context clue is used to help determine the meaning of the italicized word below?
The baby was finally content. He wasn’t upset or fussing anymore. His mother was relieved.
A. Antonym B. Synonym C. Definition D. Example E. Inference
A. Antonym
Which type of context clue is used to help determine the meaning of the italicized word below?
Today I learned about my ancestors. I actually know some of them, like my great-grandma and great-uncle. Most of them are from Jamaica.
A. Antonym B. Synonym C. Definition D. Example E. Inference
D. Example
Today we’re going to watch the World Cup! I can’t believe we’ll go to the big arena, which is a huge stadium or field with seating where fans can sit. I hope I can get an autograph from one of the players!
Arena means a building for sports and other forms of entertainment that has _____ for fans. (food/seating)
Seating
Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
The couch was shabby. You could tell it had been well used over the years. Some parts of the fabric even had holes in it.
in poor condition especially because of age or use
Using the context clues and word’s parts to help you, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
You should have come to the picnic. The food was delicious and copious.
having large amounts or more than enough of something
Which type of context clue is used to help determine the meaning of the italicized word below?
Our class took a trip to an orchard. The one we went to was an apple orchard. We picked apples and tasted cider.
A. Antonym B. Synonym C. Definition D. Example E. Inference
D. Example
Which type of context clue is used to help determine the meaning of the italicized word below?
I was up all night reading. My eyes finally grew weary. I just couldn’t keep them open any longer.
A. Antonym B. Synonym C. Definition D. Example E. Inference
E. Inference
Jackie couldn’t wait for the show to begin. She was so eager to see her favorite singer! She practically shook with excitement.
Eager means to be very _____ for something to happen. (patient/impatient)
Impatient
Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
As soon as I saw my friend, Ben, I felt queasy. My stomach was far from calm. I guess I was nervous he would still be mad at me for making fun of him.
having a sick feeling in your stomach due to being nauseous or nervous
Using the context clues and word’s parts to help you, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
The meeting went on and on. It was futile.
having no meaning, purpose, or effect; without a point
Jamie was the only player between her opponent and the goal. She made a brave and valiant effort to stop them from scoring, but, the other team made a goal anyway.
Valiant means to have or show ______. (excellence/weakness)
excellence.
Which type of context clue is used to help determine the meaning of the italicized word below?
I looked down at the test. “Do you have a concern?” the teacher asked. I was actually quite at peace with my grade.
A. Antonym B. Synonym C. Definition D. Example E. Inference
A. Antonym
Many endangered animals live in captivity, like the animals in the zoo. Zoos help scientists learn more about animals. Zoos also protect endangered animals.
Captivity means to be kept in a place and _____ to leave or be free. (able/unable)
Unable
Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
The surface of the rocks was quite jagged. I was actually worried I might cut my foot! Thank goodness I had my sandals on.
Something with a sharp or uneven surface
Using the context clues and word’s parts to help you, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
“I don’t know why I have qualms about the doctor,” Kate’s mom said. “I guess we should go anyway,” she decided.
having no trust or confidence in someone or something
Using the context clues and word’s parts to help you, what is the meaning of the italicized word?
We need a flexible object for our project. A rubber band or a piece of elastic would work. Do you have anything like that?
able to bend