Context clues are hints or information that can be found in the surrounding text or situation that help readers infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word or phrase. There are several types of context clues that readers can use to help them understand unfamiliar words:
1. Definition context clues: The meaning of the unfamiliar word is provided in the surrounding text. For example, "The book was filled with esoteric words that were difficult to understand. Esoteric means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest."
2. Synonym context clues: A word with a similar meaning to the unfamiliar word is used in the surrounding text. For example, "The restaurant was full of patrons who were ravenous. Ravenous means extremely hungry."
3. Antonym context clues: A word with an opposite meaning to the unfamiliar word is used in the surrounding text. For example, "The driver was very cautious and drove slowly. Cautious means careful, while the opposite reckless means careless."
4. Example context clues: Examples or illustrations are given in the surrounding text to help explain the meaning of the unfamiliar word. For example, "The teacher gave an example of how to use the word in a sentence to help the students understand its meaning."
5. Inference context clues: The reader must make an educated guess about the meaning of the unfamiliar word based on the surrounding context. For example, "The detective noticed that the suspect had a tremor in his hand, which suggested that he was nervous or anxious."
By using context clues, readers can improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills, and become more confident in their ability to understand and interpret written text.
1. Definition context clues: The meaning of the unfamiliar word is provided in the surrounding text. For example, "The book was filled with esoteric words that were difficult to understand. Esoteric means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest."
2. Synonym context clues: A word with a similar meaning to the unfamiliar word is used in the surrounding text. For example, "The restaurant was full of patrons who were ravenous. Ravenous means extremely hungry."
3. Antonym context clues: A word with an opposite meaning to the unfamiliar word is used in the surrounding text. For example, "The driver was very cautious and drove slowly. Cautious means careful, while the opposite reckless means careless."
4. Example context clues: Examples or illustrations are given in the surrounding text to help explain the meaning of the unfamiliar word. For example, "The teacher gave an example of how to use the word in a sentence to help the students understand its meaning."
5. Inference context clues: The reader must make an educated guess about the meaning of the unfamiliar word based on the surrounding context. For example, "The detective noticed that the suspect had a tremor in his hand, which suggested that he was nervous or anxious."
By using context clues, readers can improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills, and become more confident in their ability to understand and interpret written text.