Use Your Context Clues!
An archaeologist is a scientist who studies ancient artifacts and human history.What does the word archaeologist mean in that sentence?
a) A person who builds houses
b) A scientist who studies ancient artifacts
c) A person who teaches history
d) A doctor who helps people
b) A scientist who studies ancient artifacts
Think about the root word "aqua". What does the word "aquaman" mean in this sentence: Aquaman works to protect the environment so that fish can live healthier lives.
Water man!
Think about the prefix "un-." What does the word "unfinished" mean in this sentence: Sarah left her homework unfinished because she ran out of time.
Not finished!
Think about the suffix "-ful." What does the word "joyful" mean in this sentence? The children were joyful when they saw the surprise party.
Full of joy!
What is a prefix?
A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word or base word to add meaning
Read this sentence: The pond was tranquil, like a quiet and peaceful garden.What does the word tranquil mean in that sentence?
a) Loud and noisy
b) Small and dry
c) Calm and silent
d) Dangerous and wild
c) Calm and silent
Think about the root word "geo." What does the word "geologist" mean in this sentence: The geologist studied different types of rocks to learn more the area around them.
Someone who studies the Earth!
Think about the prefix "mis-." What does the word "misunderstood" mean in this sentence: Jake misunderstood the directions, so he built the project incorrectly.
Wrongly understood!
Think about the suffix "-est." What does the word "strongest" mean in this sentence: Even though he was the strongest on the team, he still needed to practice.
The best or most strong!
What is a suffix?
A prefix is a word part added to the end of a word or base word to add meaning
Read this sentence: The restaurant was teeming with life; however, the café next door was empty.
What does the word teeming mean in that sentence?
a) Full and busy
b) Quiet and calm
c) Small and dark
d) Expensive and fancy
a) Full and busy
Think about the root word "bio." What does the word "biography" mean in this sentence: The student read a biography about a Albert Einstein and learned more about his work.
A story about someone's life!
Think about the prefix "pre-." What does the word "preview" mean in this sentence: We watched a preview of the new movie before it was officially released.
Before view!
Think about the suffix "-less." What does the word "fearless" mean in this sentence: The firefighter was fearless as he ran into the burning building.
Without fear!
What is a context clue?
A hint in a text that helps us define unfamiliar vocabulary words and helps us figure out what a word means
Read this sentence: Nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help our bodies grow.
What does the word nutritious mean in that sentence?
a) gross and bad tasting
b) boring
c) healthy and full of nutrients
d) plant like
c) healthy and full of nutrients
Think about the root word "chron." What does the word "chronological" mean in this sentence: We put the historical events in chronological order from the earliest to the latest.
Time order!
Think about the prefix "dis-." What does the word "disbelief" mean in this sentence: The friends looked on in disbelief as he jumped into the freezing cold water.
Not able to believe it!
Think about the suffix "-able." What does the word "unbreakable" mean in this sentence? He was so stubborn that many thought his determination was unbreakable.
Not able to be broken.
What should you always do to check your answer on a context clues question?
Plug it in!
Read this sentence: Biomes on Earth include the plants and animals in the grasslands, the plants and animals in the deserts, and the plants and animals in the rain forests.
What does the word biomes mean in this sentence?
a) very small areas
b) prisons
c) catastrophes
d) large communities
d) large communities
Think about the root word "circ." What does the word "circumference" mean in this sentence: The math teacher asked us to measure the circumference of the circle using a ruler and string.
The outside of and around the circle!
Think about the prefix "re-." What does the word "redefined" mean in this sentence? John redefined what it meant to be a good friend when he bought her a car.
To define again, to give a new definition to
Think about the suffix "-ness." What does the word "kindness" mean in this sentence: Showing kindness to others can make the world a better place.
The quality of being kind
Name at least 4 of the 5 types of context clues that we discussed in class.
Definition, Synonym, Antonym, Example, General