5 Types of Context Clues

Context Clues

There are five types of context clues.

We will go over each type and then determine the meaning of words based on those clues.

Standard: Determine the meaning of words as they are used in a text.

Definition Context Clues

The meaning of the word can be found in the text

Multiple Choice

Mr. Fry is an affable principal. He is pleasantly easy to approach and always friendly.

What does affable mean based on our definition context clue?

• cranky

• sad

• pleasantly approachable and always friendly

Example Context Clues

an example of the word is included nearby

Multiple Choice

Mr. Fry is an affable principal. He knows everybody's name. If you have a problem, talk to him.

What example context clue did the text give us, to help us know what affable means in the text?

• He knows everybody's name.

• If you have a problem, talk to him.

Synonym Context Clues

same or similar word or meaning

Multiple Choice

Mr. Fry is quite affable. In fact, he reminds me of Ms. Baker. Do you remember how kind she was?

Which word is a synonym for affable?

What word in the sentence means the same as affable?

• remember

• remind

• kind

Antonym Context Clues

Opposite word or meaning

Fill in the Blank

I miss Mr. Fry.

Our new principal is cranky and unapproachable.

Mr. Fry was so affable.

What is the antonym context clue in this text that helps us determine what affable means?

Remember, antonym means opposite.

Inference Context Clues

When we use inference context clues, there are no examples, no definitions, no synonyms, and no antonyms.

When inferencing we make an educated guess, choice, or decision from the evidence we are given.

Open Ended

You do not need to worry about talking to Mr. Fry. He is an affable principal.

What inference context clues can I use in this text to help me determine what affable means?

Which sentence helps us infer to understand affable? Write your answer below:

Multiple Choice

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an activist. Someone who works hard to make a change happen is called an activist.

Using your definition context clues, what is meaning of activist?

• someone who works hard to make a change happen

• someone who is a man

• someone who is an actor

Multiple Choice

I love all kinds of felines, including tigers, lions, and even my kitty, Fluffy.

Using your example context clues, what is meaning of feline?

• animals

• cat

• pets

Multiple Choice

The pudgy baby panda bear looked chubby and round.

Using your synonym context clues, what does pudgy mean?

Remember synonym means the same or similar.

• plump

• thin

• black and white

Multiple Choice

Unlike my parents, who love classical music, I detest it.

Using your antonym context clues, what does detest mean?

Remember, antonym means the opposite word or meaning

• love

• hate

• perform

Multiple Choice

Mike hit a rock as he was riding his bike to his grandma's house. When he arrived at her house, he was holding his elbow and sobbing.

Using your inference context clues, determine the meaning of sobbing?

• happy

• tired

• crying