Types of Context Clues

Definition

​Definition

With definition based clues, the author provides a direct explanation for a potentially unfamiliar word.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Choice

It was not a light snowstorm but a BLIZZARD, a severe snowstorm with very cold temperatures and drifting snow.

What is the CLUE in this statement for BLIZZARD

• light snowstorm

• cold temperatures and snow

• a severe snowstorm with very cold temperatures and drifting snow

Synonym

​With a synonym, or restatement, the author provides a word or phrase with a similar meaning to the possible unknown word to help define it.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

Some environmental factors can cause a mutation, or change, in a gene.

Write the synonym for MUTATION

Antonym

With an antonym clue, the author provides a word that is the opposite of a possible challenging word to help clarify it.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

The judge ruled that the miner had a legitimate claim on the mine, not a false or unlawful one.

Write the antonyms for LEGITIMATE.

​Example

In example clues, the author provides one or more examples of a word to further clarify it.

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

People like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford were philanthropists. They used their great wealth to help others.

What is the example used to define what a philanthropist is?