CONTEXT CLUES
When a sentence gives the meaning of an unfamiliar word directly, often using commas or phrases like “or” or “that is,” it is using this type of context clue.
What is a definition clue?
This refers to the author’s attitude toward a subject, often revealed through word choice.
What is tone?
This reading skill involves using clues from the text plus your own knowledge to figure out something the author does not state directly.
What is making an inference?
This children's story explores the theme of not telling a lie and fooling everyone until you are no longer believed.
What is "The boy who cried wolf"
This text structure shows how two or more things are alike and different using signal words like “both,” “however,” and “on the other hand.
compare and contrast
In the sentence, “The desert was arid, or extremely dry, with little rainfall,” the words “extremely dry” serve as this type of context clue
What is a definition clue?
This is the feeling or atmosphere a reader experiences while reading a text.
What is mood?
If a character slams the door, crosses their arms, and refuses to speak, the reader can infer this about the character’s feelings.
What is that the character is angry (or upset)?
true or false. The theme is a one word summary of the text
What is false
This structure explains why something happens and what happens as a result, often using words like “because,” “since,” and “therefore.”
cause and effect
When the author provides hints about a word’s meaning by showing how it is used in a situation or story, this type of context clue is being used.
What is an example (or inference) clue?
If an author uses words like “gloomy,” “dark,” and “silent” to describe a setting, they are primarily developing this.
What is mood?
When a reader uses text evidence along with background knowledge to draw a logical conclusion, they are doing this.
What is inferring?
a. dogs are fun
b. hard work leads to success
Which is a theme?
What is B. Hard work leads to success
An author organizes steps in order using dates, times, or signal words like “first,” “next,” and “finally.” This structure is known as this.
What is chronological order (or sequence)?
In the sentence, “Unlike his boisterous brother, Mark was quiet and reserved,” the word “unlike” signals this type of context clue.
What is a contrast clue?
In a passage, the narrator describes an event as “a brilliant success” but includes obvious sarcasm. This reveals this type of tone.
What is ironic (or sarcastic) tone?
A passage states that the sky turned dark, winds picked up, and people rushed indoors. The reader can infer this is about to happen.
What is a storm (or bad weather)?
A theme that applies to life in general.
What is universal
A passage describes a problem in a community and then presents ways to fix it. This organizational pattern is called this.
What is problem and solution?
A student reads, “She was reluctant to speak, hesitating and avoiding eye contact.” To determine the meaning of “reluctant,” the student is using this strategy.
What is using context clues (specifically inference/example clues)?
A reader feels tense and uneasy while the author uses suspenseful details and pacing. This shows how the author’s tone helps create this.
What is mood?
A student claims a character is dishonest but must support this idea with details like avoiding eye contact and changing their story. This process is called this.
What is making an inference using textual evidence?
This is the central message or life lesson of a text, and your response should explain how the author develops it using specific details.
What is theme?
If a passage explains how recycling reduces waste, conserves resources, and protects the environment by linking reasons to outcomes, the author is primarily using this structure.
What is cause and effect?