What are context clues
Context clues are pieces of information within a text that can help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases. These clues provide hints or suggestions about the definition or meaning of a word, even if you have never encountered it before. There are several types of context clues that can be found in a text:
1. Definitions: Sometimes, the meaning of a word can be directly provided within the sentence or surrounding sentences. The author may use a synonym or provide a clear explanation of the word's meaning.
2. Examples: Another type of context clue is when the author includes examples or instances that help illustrate the meaning of a word. These examples can provide a better understanding of how the word is used in a specific context.
3. Restatement: A restatement context clue occurs when the author rephrases or repeats the same idea using different words. This repetition can help you grasp the meaning of a word by understanding its relationship to other known words or concepts.
4. Contrast or Antonyms: Sometimes, the author may use words or phrases that are opposite in meaning to the unfamiliar word. By using contrasting or antonyms, the author provides clues about what the unfamiliar word does not mean.
5. Contextual Inference: In some cases, the meaning of a word may not be explicitly stated, but can be inferred based on the overall context of the text. By analyzing the surrounding sentences and the topic being discussed, you can make an educated guess about the unknown word's meaning.
To effectively use context clues, it is important to read the entire sentence or paragraph and pay attention to the words or phrases that provide additional information. By using these clues, you can derive the meaning of unfamiliar words and enhance your comprehension of the text.
http://scc.losrios.edu/~langlit/reading/contextclues/intro1.htm
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/ccdirect.htm