English 8

Types of Context Clues

The following are four of the most common types of context clues. Consider how each
approach helps you to determine the meaning of unknown words or phrases. Work with a
partner and try to come up with at least one example per type we will share these with the
class!

Definition: The word is defined directly and clearly in the sentence in

which it appears.
Touchstone is a jester, a clown, who provides comic relief in Duke Fredericks court.

Antonym: Often signaled by the words whereas, unlike, or as opposed

to.
Whereas Silvius was infatuated with Pheobe, she had little romantic interest in him.

Synonym: Other words are used in the sentence with similar meanings.
Duke Frederick exiled Duke Senior from the kingdom and banished him into the Forest
of Arden.

Inference: Word meanings are not directly described, but need to be

inferred from their relation to the sentence or other words nearby.
Orlando believed his brother was depriving him of his freedoms. Although Oliver
supposed to take care of him, Orlando received no inheritance money or education.

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 English 8

Context Clues

Fill in the blanks below. Discuss with a partner and be ready to explain why you chose what
you did!

Orlando felt ___________ by Oliver.

Duke Frederick ___________ Duke Seniors throne.

Rosalind and Celia fled into the __________ Forest of Arden.

Now, go back to the sentences above and use the context techniques we learned about to revise
two sentences. Circle the technique you are using and write the revised sentence below. You
must use one example of inference!

For example, using inference to modify Orlando felt irritated to become the following:
When he met with Adam to discuss his brothers mistreatment of him, Orlando felt irritated.

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Definition Antonym Synonym Inference

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Definition Antonym Synonym Inference

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 Names: ______________________________________________________

Date: ____________

Decoding Context: Passage #1

Directions: Determine the meaning of the highlighted word using context clues to help you. Remember what
weve talked about in class whether analyzing the grammatical structure of a sentence or synonyms/antonyms
that might come before the word, etc. Then, be sure to interpret the passage into colloquial English at the
bottom of the page. Remember, I am letting you work in groups this does not mean that only one person
completes the worksheet. All members will be expected to share their analysis with the class!

Meaning of word in context: _________________________________________________________________

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Interpretation of passage: ___________________________________________________________________

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 Names: ______________________________________________________

Date: ____________

Decoding Context: Passage #2

Directions: Determine the meaning of the highlighted word using context clues to help you. Remember what
weve talked about in class whether analyzing the grammatical structure of a sentence or synonyms/antonyms
that might come before the word, etc. Then, be sure to interpret the passage into colloquial English at the
bottom of the page. Remember, I am letting you work in groups this does not mean that only one person
completes the worksheet. All members will be expected to share their analysis with the class!

Meaning of word in context: _________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________________________

Interpretation of passage: ___________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Names: ______________________________________________________

Date: ____________
Decoding Context: Passage #3

Directions: Determine the meaning of the highlighted word using context clues to help you. Remember what
weve talked about in class whether analyzing the grammatical structure of a sentence or synonyms/antonyms
that might come before the word, etc. Then, be sure to interpret the passage into colloquial English at the
bottom of the page. Remember, I am letting you work in groups this does not mean that only one person
completes the worksheet. All members will be expected to share their analysis with the class!

Meaning of word in context: _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Interpretation of passage: ___________________________________________________________________

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 Names: ______________________________________________________

Date: ____________
Decoding Context: Passage #4

Directions: Determine the meaning of the highlighted word using context clues to help you. Remember what
weve talked about in class whether analyzing the grammatical structure of a sentence or synonyms/antonyms
that might come before the word, etc. Then, be sure to interpret the passage into colloquial English at the
bottom of the page. Remember, I am letting you work in groups this does not mean that only one person
completes the worksheet. All members will be expected to share their analysis with the class!

Meaning of word in context: _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Interpretation of passage: ___________________________________________________________________

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 Names: ______________________________________________________

Date: ____________
Decoding Context: Passage #5

Directions: Determine the meaning of the highlighted word using context clues to help you. Remember what
weve talked about in class whether analyzing the grammatical structure of a sentence or synonyms/antonyms
that might come before the word, etc. Then, be sure to interpret the passage into colloquial English at the
bottom of the page. Remember, I am letting you work in groups this does not mean that only one person
completes the worksheet. All members will be expected to share their analysis with the class!

Meaning of word in context: _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Interpretation of passage: ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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 Names: ______________________________________________________

Date: ____________
Decoding Context: Passage #6

Directions: Determine the meaning of the highlighted word using context clues to help you. Remember what
weve talked about in class whether analyzing the grammatical structure of a sentence or synonyms/antonyms
that might come before the word, etc. Then, be sure to interpret the passage into colloquial English at the
bottom of the page. Remember, I am letting you work in groups this does not mean that only one person
completes the worksheet. All members will be expected to share their analysis with the class!

Meaning of word in context: _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Interpretation of passage: ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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