Context Clues

CONTEXT CLUES

Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. Learning the meaning of a word through its use in a sentence or paragraph is the most practical way to build vocabulary, since a dictionary is not always available when a reader encounters an unknown word. A reader must be aware that many words have several possible meanings. Only by being sensitive to the circumstances in which a word is used can the reader decide upon an appropriate definition to fit the context. A reader should rely on context clues when an obvious clue to meaning is provided, or when only a general sense of the meaning is needed for the reader’s purposes. Context clues should not be relied upon when a precise meaning is required, when clues suggest several possible definitions, when nearby words are unfamiliar, and when the unknown word is a common one that will be needed again; in these cases, a dictionary should be consulted. There are several different types of context clues. Some of them are:

1.

DEFINITION / DESCRIPTION CLUE

The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient explanation may be given within the sentence or in the following sentence. Clues to definition include “that is,” commas, dashes, and parentheses. Examples: a. His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, was frightening to see. “Skeleton-like appearance” is the definition of “emaciation.” b. Fluoroscopy, examination with a fluoroscope, has become a common practice. The commas before and after “examination with a fluoroscope” point out the definition of “fluoroscopy.” c. The dudeen – a short-stemmed clay pipe – is found in Irish folk tales. The dashes setting off “a short-stemmed clay pipe” point out the definition of “dudeen.”

2.

EXAMPLE CLUES Sometimes when a reader finds a new word, an example might be found nearby that helps to explain its meaning. Words like including, such as, and...