Context Clues (Vocabulary)

Define Context clues

• Authors will include an explanation of the word’s meaning through the definition.

• the literal definition of a word.

• writers use for descriptive effect rather than literal meaning.

• hints in the surrounding text that a reader can use to infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Tristin couldn’t see the school building; it was shrouded by smoke and dust.”

What does the word shrouded mean?

• covered

• ruined

• bounced

• invisible

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Measles is a childhood disease that was eradicated in the USA 20 years ago, but it has returned to sicken people in several states because not all children have received vaccinations against it. The word eradicated means:

• frightening

• discovered

• completely eliminated or destroyed

• irrational

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Jared had a burning desire to play in the NBA, but he was pragmatic enough to realize that his lack of height and many basketball injuries in college might make his goal impossible to achieve. The word pragmatic means:

• nonsensical

• hopeful

• realistic

• lack of common sense

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Even though the administration tried to stifle student opposition to the new uniform code, they managed to express their concerns by carrying signs and speaking at the school board meeting. The word stifle means:

• to stop

• to sniff

• a minor or unimportant point

• to encourage

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Because she only gave the contract a cursory glance, Dina didn't realize that she had agreed to pay a penalty if she changed her cell phone company within the next two years. The word cursory means:

• a sideways look

• thoroughly read

• quickly, without attention

• impulsive decision

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?

The class decided to exhibit the science projects during Parent Teacher Conferences.

• lose

• eat

• show

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?

Typewriters became obsolete with the development of personal computers.

• popular

• out-dated

• round

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?

The large vase was covered from top to bottom in a hand carved and ornate design. It must have taken weeks, or even months to create!!

• simple

• beautiful

• detailed

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Based on context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?

She offered a feeble excuse for her late work and they could tell that she wasn’t telling the truth.

• weak

• good

• believable

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4