Context clues
What are context clues?
Clues in a text that help you understand meaning.
What is an inference?
A smart guess based on clues and what you know.
“She grabbed her umbrella and rain boots.” What can you infer?
It is raining.
“Omar is excited because tomorrow is October 31st.” What can you infer?
If your friend is frowning and quiet, what might you infer?
They are sad.
Where do you find context clues?
In the sentences or words around a word or idea.
What 2 things do you use to make an inference?
Context clues & prior knowledge.
“The cake had candles and everyone sang.” What can you infer?
It is a birthday party.
“The costume is triangle-shaped with cheese and pepperoni.” What is it?
Pizza.
If someone is running with a backpack and looking at the clock, what can you infer?
They are late.
Why are context clues important?
They help you understand words or ideas you don’t know.
True or False: An inference is just guessing.
False.
“He wore a helmet and held a bat.” What can you infer?
He is playing baseball.
“She studied all night and looked tired in the morning.” What can you infer?
She has a test and worked hard.
If the lights are off and doors are locked at a store, what can you infer?
It is closed.
True or False: Context clues only help with vocabulary.
False. (They also help with understanding meaning and inferences.)
Why do readers make inferences?
To understand things the author doesn’t say directly.
“She was shivering and her teeth were chattering.” What can you infer?
She is cold.
“The dog scratched at the door and wagged its tail.” What does it want?
To go outside.
If someone brings a gift and decorations, what can you infer?
There is a party.
What should you do first when you don’t understand something in a text?
Look for context clues around it.
What does it mean to “read between the lines”?
To make an inference.
“The leaves were falling and the air was cool.” What can you infer?
It is fall/autumn.
“The classroom was silent and students were writing.” What can you infer?
They are taking a test or doing an assignment.
If a student keeps looking at another paper during a test, what might you infer?
They might be cheating.