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The words that surround a word are called its context. Information about the meaning of a word that is contained in the surrounding words is called a context clue. There are five types of context clues: (1) synonym, (2) definition, (3) example, (4) contrast, and (5) inference.
The first steps in a strategy for figuring out the meaning of an unfamiliar word or phrase from the context in which it appears are as follows: Step 1: Check for synonyms or definitions embedded right there. If you find a synonym or definition, reread the sentence with the new term keeping the synonym or definition in mind. Then tell yourself in your own words what the sentence is saying to you. Step 2: Check for a contrast clue. If you find one, think about its meaning, actually telling yourself the opposite meaning. Then reread the sentence and rephrase it in your own mind. Step 3: When you read a sentence that you have trouble understanding because it contains an unfamiliar word, reread the sentence and substitute a word that seems to make sense in the context. Step 4: Read on. If the word you substituted does not make sense in the context of the rest of the paragraph, try again. Step 5: If the sentence still does not make sense to you and you do not understand the main point the author is making in the paragraph, look for a synonym, definition, and contrast clue. If you are still uncertain, check a dictionary. Completing these exercises will help you learn how to define words without having to spend time looking in a dictionary. The exercises will also help you practice using context to define terms, thus resulting in better comprehension of what you read. |