Context Clues
What is the definition of a context clue?
Hints in the surrounding text that a reader can use to infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
What does the word objective mean?
not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; purely fact-based
Read the origin of the word benevolent.
from Latin bene (well) + volens (wishing, willing)
Based on this information, what is the meaning of the word benevolent?
well-meaning or kind
What is the tone of this sentence?
The sun shone brightly as laughter filled the air, and Emma twirled in the golden meadow, feeling lighter than ever.
Joyful, happy
What is text structure?
The organizational pattern authors of nonfiction use to present information.
This type of context clue gives an explanation of the word’s meaning before or after the word appears, usually set off by a comma
definition context clue
What does the word concede mean?
to surrender or give up
Read the origin of the word amicable.
from Latin amicus (friend) + -abilis (able to be)
Based on this information, what is the meaning of the word amicable?
friendly
What is the tone of this sentence?
The floor creaked beneath his feet, and with every step, the shadows in the hallway seemed to shift, as if something was watching from the darkness.
suspenseful
What type of text structure is used here...
Since it rained heavily last night, the streets were flooded this morning.
Cause and effect
How does an example context clue contribute to understanding a term?
a) By providing a clear definition
b) By offering specific instances or illustrations
c) By emphasizing differences
d) By using comparisons
By offering specific instances or illustrations
What is an extended metaphor?
a version of metaphor that extends over the course of multiple lines, paragraphs, or stanzas of prose or poetry.
Read the origin of the word illuminate.
from Latin in- (upon) + lumen (light)
Based on this information, what is the meaning of the word illuminate?
light up
What is the tone of the following sentence?
The old house stood silent, its once vibrant walls now faded, echoing with memories of laughter that had long since disappeared.
melancholy
What type of text structure is used here...
First, mix the flour and sugar, then add the eggs, and finally, bake the mixture at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Sequence/Chronological Order
This type of context clue uses the word as the result of something else that happens in the text
Cause-and-effect context clue
Why do writer's use extended metaphor?
They add meaning to the text and enhance the theme or author’s message.
Read the origin of the word credulous.
from Latin credere (to believe) + -ulus (tending to)
Based on this information, what is the meaning of the word credulous?
willingness to believe
What is the tone in this sentence?
No matter how dark the night, the sun will always rise again, bringing with it new opportunities and fresh beginnings.
hopeful
True or false.
Authors may also use text structure to organize information about multiple topics, or use more than one organizational pattern within the same text.
TRUE
Unlike his boisterous younger brother, who was always shouting and laughing, Jake was reserved and preferred to observe quietly.
Use context to determine what boisterous means.
Boisterous means noisy, loud, energetic.
What is the definition of an objective summary?
Objective summary means to summarize without personal bias.
Read the origin of the word audible.
from Latin audire (to hear) + -ibilis (able to be)
Based on this information, what is the meaning of the word audible?
able to be heard
How do authors set the "tone" in their writing?
Tone is communicated through choice words or point of view.
What type of text structure is used in this sentence?
While cats are independent and prefer solitude, dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship.
Compare and Contrast