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At the end of the lesson, I am expected to:

a) Differentiate the four (4) types of clues (Synonyms, Antonym, Inference

and Definition);
b) Match, locate and use context clues to improve comprehension and
vocabulary development.
c) Note types of context clue (restatement, definition, synonyms, antonyms)
used for a given word or expression. EN9V-Ig-12.3
d) Exhibit good behavior while working with classmates.
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 Context
Clues
Context Clues are hints that the author gives to help define
a difficult or unusual word. The clue may appear within the
same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may
follow in a preceding sentence.

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 How to understand new words using Context
Clues?

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 FOUR TYPES OF CONTEXT
CLUES
1.Synonym / Restatement
2.Antonym / Contrast
3.Inference / General Context Clues
4.Definition / Explanation
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 Types of Context Clues

Synonym /
Restatement

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 Context clue: Synonyms / Restatement

Let’s have an example:

The mountain pass was a tortuous road, winding and
twisting like a snake around the trees of the
mountainside.
What could be the definition of tortuous in this sentence?

“Tortuous” means “winding and twisting.”

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 Context clue: Restatement / Synonyms

Let’s have an example: (4)

Flooded with spotlights – the focus of all attention – the
new Miss America began her year-long reign. She was the
cynosure of all eyes for the rest of the evening.

What could be the definition of the word cynosure in this

sentence?

“Cynosure” means “the focus of all attention.”

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 Types of Context Clues

Antonym / Contrast
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 Context clue: Antonym / Contrast
Let’s have an example: He tried to smile because the
mood of the party was not somber, but happy.
You know that somber must mean something that is
the opposite of happy. In fact, it means sad or dreary.

David was very outgoing as opposed to his coy

older sister.
Hint word

Coy must mean shy!

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 Context clue: Antonyms / Contrast
Now, you try!
Joe was reluctant to take the job of captain of the team. He was
afraid that the time it would take would hurt his grades. On the other
hand, Billy was eager for the chance to be the team captain.

What does the word reluctant mean in this paragraph?

In this sentence the words “on the other hand” and

“eager” tell us that Billy feels the opposite of Joe,
therefore, reluctant means uncertain or cautious.
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 Types of Context Clues

Inference / General
Context Clues
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 Context Clues: Inference / General Context Clues
Let’s have an example:
She told her friend, “I’m through with blind dates forever. What a dull evening! I
was bored every minute. The conversation was absolutely vapid.”

What could the word vapid means?

The speaker was telling that she had a dull evening and that
she was bored at every minute of the conversation she had
with a friend.

The most logical guess would be uninteresting.

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 Context Clues: Inference/ General Context Clues
Now, you try!
The nurse in Wish You Well states that she would "...require a free reign in
overseeing the children. These two need discipline, and I intend to provide it."

The idiomatic phrase, "a free reign," can be defined by looking for clues
in the secondsentence.

The nurse wants the freedom to discipline the two children her way
because she has noticed how undisciplined they already are, and she is
determined to provide it all by herself.

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 Context Clues: Inference/ General Context Clues
Let’s have an example:

Dementia almost overcame Lou when she stepped off the train at
Rainwater Ridge and felt as crazy as a Betsy bug as she realized how
different her new life would be.

Dementia can be defined as being insane because the

phrase "as crazy as a Betsy bug" indicates insanity.

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 Types of Context Clues

Definition /
Explanation

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 Context Clue: Definition / Explanation
Let’s have an example: (2)

Fluoroscopy, examination with a fluoroscope, has become a common

practice.

What could be the meaning of the word fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy – an examination with a fluoroscope

The commas before and after “examination with a

fluoroscope”point out the definition of “fluoroscopy.”
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 Context Clue: Definition / Explanation
Now, you try!

The dudeen – a short-stemmed clay pipe – is found in Irish folk

tales.

What could be the definition of dudeen in this sentence?

dudeen – a short-stemmed claypipe

The dashes setting off “a short-stemmed clay pipe” point out

the definition of “dudeen.”

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 Why are context clues
important?
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 To add on your ideas/answers, here are an
some additional …
 Helps us define unfamiliar, difficult words in texts. They help us to
become better, perceptive readers.

 Comes in a handy during tests when a dictionary or the internet is

not available to us.

 In the same sentence as the difficult, unfamiliar word. In the same

paragraph or passage as the unknown word.

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It’s activity
time!!!   
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Exercise A: Determine the type of context clues used on the sentences.

1. Hank was an opportunist, taking benefit of every possible angle.

2. The village was desolate, most of the residents dead or moved, but the crops
remained untouched.
3. The gentleman was portly, but his wife was thin.
4. The stupendous actor attracted everyone’s attention because he was so
excellent.
5. President Miller’s policies changed society, catalysts for improved living
around
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6. Peter was likely to be late, and apt to forget necessary supplies as well.
7. Exchanging screen names is almost like trading phone numbers.
8. The preacher’s charm and charisma made him attractive to both young
and old.
9. The yellow cookie had a bite out of it, looking like nothing so much as
a crumbly crescent moon.
10. Elizabeth had the perfect trifecta of attributes: power, beauty and
money.
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 ASSIGNMENT:

Read the excerpt of, “The

Hands of the Blacks”. Find
unfamiliar words and write it on
your notebook.
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