Vocabulary
to ease or reduce
allay
next to the unfamiliar word and might be set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses
definition/restatement
something that is not stated directly, but implied
implicit
the main character who solves a problem for others within the plot; often needs to grow and become stronger as he pursues good in order to ultimately triumph
the hero
having unclear or uncertain meaning, or having multiple interpretations
ambiguous
having an evil or malicious nature
malignant
This type of context clue provides details about the unfamiliar word.
Elaborating Detail
person, place, or object that has a specific meaning in itself but that also stands for an idea or emotion beyond its literal meaning
a character who is purely good. He acts with a sense of duty and chivalry in pursuit of honor and justice. He may be a religious figure or a courtly figure
valiant knight
readers usually gather explicitly stated evidence and other clues to arrive at deeper implied meanings and intent
inference
characterized by unruliness or rebelliousness
mutinous
This type of context clue supplies clarifying ______.
Examples
an indirect reference to a person, object, historical event, or literary work that the audience is familiar with.
allusion
a character who represents pure evil and selfishness, and who creates conflict in the plot
the villain
specific information, found directly within a reading, that is used to support assertions (claims) and analysis of that text
textual evidence
showing sorrow or regret for having done wrong
penitent
This type of context clue works by association. With this strategy, readers can associate the unfamiliar word with a nearby word they already know.
Comparison
creates a connection between two things or ideas, based on similarities of the two.
Analogy
character who has many variations. Some are wise and just, but others are power-hungry and threatened by possible rivals
queen mother
clearly stated
explicit
an exclusive or special right or privilege
prerogative
this type of context clue also works by association. Here, however, the unfamiliar term means the opposite of the known word.
contrast
the use of words whose sounds repeat what the word represents
onomatopoeia
female character who either distracts a hero from his journey or purposely lures him off course
the temptress
understood despite not being clearly stated
implicit