Context Clues

PRESENTATION

Context Clues

Lesson Standards

8.2(B)

8.2(B)

8.1(A)

8.1(D)

8.5(F)

8.6(E)

8.6(G)

Language Objective

Language Objective

• I will use context clues to decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words in both spoken and written language.
• I will participate in classroom discussions, asking and answering questions using academic vocabulary

Learning Intention

Learning Intention

Today, we will explore the power of context clues in understanding unfamiliar words. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to use context clues effectively to figure out the meanings of unfamiliar words when reading or listening.

Success Criteria

• Define "context clues" and provide examples.
• Identify different types of context clues (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, definitions, examples).
• Apply context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words in sentences and short passages.
• Actively participate in class discussions using academic vocabulary.

Do Now:

Read the following sentence:The concert was cacophonous; all the instruments were playing loudly and out of tune. Use context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word. *watch Studysync video

Context Clues

A reader can use context clues to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Context clues are hints in the surrounding text that a reader can use to infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Some common types of context clues include definition, example, comparison, contrast, and cause-and-effect:

Definition: Authors will include an explanation of the word’s meaning before or after the word appears. Definitions are usually set off by a comma. Example: An author provides one or more examples that can be used to determine the meaning of a word. Comparison: An author offers a clue to the meaning of a word through a comparison. Contrast: An author offers a clue to the meaning of a word through a contrast. Cause-and-effect: An author provides a clue to the meaning of word through the use of a cause-and-effect relationship.

video

Context Clues – Introduction to Reading Skills

context clue

cause-and-effect context clue

comparison context clue

text that provides a clue to the meaning of a word through a comparison

a hint in the surrounding text that can help a reader infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word, phrase, or description

text that provides a clue to the meaning of a word through a cause-and-effect relationship

example context clue

contrast context clue

definition context clue

text that provides a definition of a word

text that provides a clue to the meaning of a word through one or more examples

text that provides a clue to the meaning of a word through a contrast

Identification and Application:

In order to use context clues to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word, note the following:

• clues about the word’s part of speech
• clues in the surrounding text about the word’s meaning

Use context clues to clarify the meaning of an unfamiliar word, using the following questions as a guide:

• What clues can help me determine the word’s part of speech?
• What clues can help me figure out the word’s definition?
• What do I think the word means?
• How does my guess compare to the definition of the word in the dictionary?
• Does the definition I have chosen make sense within the context of the sentence?

Model

Let’s take a look at some challenging words from Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Tell-Tale Heart.” This text was first published in 1843, and the vocabulary can sometimes feel unfamiliar or overwhelming. An example is the word “suppositions” in paragraph seven.

Yes, he has been trying to comfort himself with these suppositions; but he had found all in vain.

What does this word mean? How can it “comfort” the old man?

Model

First, let’s determine the part of speech. Our reader notices that “suppositions” is something that the old man is using “to comfort himself.” That must mean that a “supposition” is a thing or an idea—in other words, a noun. She looks at the sentence again, this time for clues to the word’s meaning. She looks at the words and sentences before and after, and notices something that resembles a list.

He had been trying to fancy them causeless, but could not. He had been saying to himself—"It is nothing but the wind in the chimney—it is only a mouse crossing the floor," or, "It is merely a cricket which has made a single chirp." Yes, he has been trying to comfort himself with these suppositions; but he had found all in vain.

Are these examples of “suppositions”? The old man seems to be coming up with things that may have caused the sound.

Each of these are ideas that the old man comes up with to explain the noise. Therefore, we can guess that “suppositions” have something to do with ideas, thoughts, or beliefs. This is her initial prediction of the word’s meaning.

Yes, he has been trying to comfort himself with these suppositions; but he had found all in vain. *Could mean an idea or belief.

Her next step is to check her prediction against a dictionary. This may not happen until after class, or even a few days later. Luckily, her annotations are saved in the text so she can pick up where she left off.She looks up “supposition” and finds two definitions:

• An uncertain belief
• Something that is supposed or assumed

She compares this with her original prediction, an idea or belief, and realizes that she is close. The last step is to check the definition against the original sentence and make sure that it fits in the context of the story.

• Yes, he has been trying to comfort himself with these uncertain beliefs; but he had found all in vain.
• By replacing “suppositions” with “uncertain beliefs,” she is able to confirm the correct definition.
• This practice can help you build your vocabulary without a dictionary handy. The more you practice, the easier and more natural this technique will become.

END OF THE PRESENTATION

THANKSYOU!