Context Clues

Grade 4 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.4.V.1.3

Name:
Date:

What Are Context Clues?

Context clues are hints that authors give us to help figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words. These clues are found in the words and sentences AROUND the unknown word. Good readers use context clues to understand new vocabulary without always needing a dictionary!

The Five Types of Context Clues

Authors use different ways to help readers understand new words. Learn to recognize these five types:

1. DEFINITION CLUE

The author tells you exactly what the word means right in the sentence.

Signal words: means, is, refers to, is called, is defined as, which is

"A peninsula, which is land surrounded by water on three sides, has beaches on multiple shores."
The sentence tells us peninsula means land surrounded by water on three sides.

2. EXAMPLE CLUE

The author gives examples to help you understand what the word means.

Signal words: such as, for example, including, like, for instance

"Reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, and turtles, are cold-blooded animals."
The examples (snakes, lizards, turtles) help us understand what reptiles are.

3. SYNONYM CLUE

The author uses another word that means the same (or nearly the same) thing.

Signal words: or, also known as, that is, in other words

"The movie was hilarious, or extremely funny, from beginning to end."
The word "funny" is a synonym that helps explain "hilarious."

4. ANTONYM CLUE

The author uses a word that means the OPPOSITE, which helps you figure out the meaning.

Signal words: but, however, unlike, instead of, although, on the other hand, while

"Unlike her timid sister who was afraid to try anything, Maria was brave and adventurous."
"Brave" is the opposite, so "timid" must mean shy or fearful.

5. INFERENCE CLUE

No direct definition - you must use details in the text and your own thinking to figure out the meaning.

Signal words: None - you have to be a detective!

"The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the kitchen. Everyone took a deep breath and smiled."
From the details (baked cookies, deep breath, smiled), we can infer "aroma" means a pleasant smell.

Use the CLUES Strategy!

C - Circle the unknown word
L - Look at the words and sentences around it
U - Underline helpful hints (signal words, examples, opposites)
E - Estimate the meaning based on the clues
S - Substitute your meaning and check - Does it make sense?

Signal Words Quick Reference

Definition: means, is, refers to, which is
Example: such as, for example, including, like
Synonym: or, also known as, in other words
Antonym: but, however, unlike, although

Let's Practice!

1. Read the sentence and use context clues to figure out the meaning.

"The children were so exhausted after the field trip that they fell asleep on the bus ride home."

What does "exhausted" mean?

What clue helped you? (Circle the words in the sentence)

2. What type of context clue is used in this sentence?

"Amphibians, such as frogs, toads, and salamanders, can live both in water and on land."

3. Use the context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word.

"The frigid wind made everyone shiver, so we all put on our warmest coats and hats."

Frigid means:

4. Read the sentence. What type of context clue is used?

"Although Marco was usually courageous, he felt scared when he had to give his speech."

5. Use the CLUES strategy to figure out the meaning of "vast."

"The vast ocean stretched as far as the eye could see. The small boat looked tiny compared to all that water."

What does "vast" mean?

What clues helped you figure it out?

Remember: Always Check Your Answer!

After you figure out what a word means, substitute your meaning back into the sentence. Read it again. Does it make sense? If yes, you've found the meaning! If not, look for more clues.

Example: "The children were so exhausted that they fell asleep."
If exhausted = very tired, then: "The children were so very tired that they fell asleep." Does this make sense? YES!

FAST Success Kit | Grade 4 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.4.V.1.3