Crack the Context
This term refers to the words and sentences around an unfamiliar word that help you figure out its meaning
context clue?
This text structure shows events in the order they happened.
chronological order?
This technique compares two unlike things using the words like or as.
simile?
These basic rules of writing include spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar.
writing conventions?
This type of word means the opposite of another word.
antonym?
This type of context clue gives an example to help you understand a new word.
example clue?
This style choice reflects the author’s attitude toward the subject, such as serious or humorous.
tone?
This technique gives human qualities to nonhuman things.
personification?
This punctuation mark is used to show strong emotion or excitement.
exclamation point?
This type of word means the same or almost the same as another word.
synonym?
This context clue gives the opposite meaning of a word to help you understand it.
antonym clue?
This structure explains a problem and then presents one or more ways to fix it.
problem and solution?
This technique exaggerates something for emphasis or effect.
hyperbole?
This convention requires that the first word in a sentence and proper nouns begin with a capital letter.
capitalization?
This is the feeling or emotion a word creates, beyond its dictionary definition.
connotation?
This context clue directly explains or defines the unfamiliar word in the sentence.
definition clue?
This element of style includes the author’s unique way of writing, such as word choice, sentence patterns, and voice.
author’s style?
This technique hints at something that will happen later in the story.
foreshadowing?
This type of sentence ends with a question mark and asks something.
interrogative sentence?
This is the exact, dictionary meaning of a word.
denotation?
This deeper type of context requires you to use background knowledge plus text clues to understand what the author is implying.
inferential context?
This structure organizes writing by listing details about a topic.
description?
This technique places two opposite ideas or images side by side to highlight their differences.
juxtaposition?
This convention involves choosing the correct verb form so it matches the subject in number and person.
subject‑verb agreement?
This type of word has a meaning that is different from its literal definition, such as “break the ice.”
idiom?