USING CONTEXT CLUES
Types of Context Clues
Boys and Girls, did you know that there are different types of context clues? In using context clues to find the meaning of words, it is important to identify signal words. Signal words are hints that help you to better understand what you are reading. Let us now examine some types of context clues and their signal words.
Definition Context Clue
These are words or phrases that are used by the writer to give a direct meaning of an unknown word. For example:
Accessories, things that can be added to something else to make it more versatile, useful or attractive, or on sale at the boutique. Signal words used to introduce definition context clues include is, are, is called, refers to, means etc. Other clues used to show definition are commas, dashes and parentheses. Boys and girls, notice that in the example given no signal words were used. Instead, commas were used. The definition of accessories can be found between the two commas within the sentence.
Example Context Clue
This is a word or phrase that has been used as examples to illustrate the subject in a context. For example: Accessories, such as hats, bags, belts and jewelry, are on sale at the boutique. Based on the context clue given, we can determine that accessories include hats bags, belts and jewelry. Signal words that introduce example context clues are, for example, for instance, including, such as, specifically, to illustrate etc.
Antonym Context Clue
This is a word that is the opposite of the unfamiliar word and may be a word that the reader knows. For example:
The gentleman was very taciturn; his wife however was very talkative The word we want to define is taciturn. The clue to that is the opposite of taciturn, which is talkative. Therefore, we can determine that the meaning of taciturn is reserved or quiet. Signal words for antonym context clues include even though, however, in contrast, unlike, but, different, instead of.
Synonym Context Clue
This is when a familiar word, which has the same meaning as the unfamiliar word is used. For example:
His animosity or hatred for his father caused him to react in such a manner. The word we want to define is animosity. It is followed by the signal word or, which shows that the word similar in meaning is hatred. Other signal words that introduce synonym context clues are, also known as, sometimes called, that is, in other words, also, too, like and as. Let’s see what you remember from our discussion.