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Context CluesGood readers use special skills to understand what they read. Knowing how to use context clues is a good skill to have. Context clues are found around the word. They are other words and phrases that help you figure out the meaning of a new word. First, look for the clues that are in the sentence with the unknown word in it. Then, look at the other sentences around it for help. Sometimes, nearby words have a similar meaning to the unknown word or give a definition to it.For example, if you read an essay about the world’s fastest cars, you might see the word capability in a paragraph. The SSC Ultimate Aero has a speed capability of over 250 mph. Thecar is built to reach this speed. Of course, few people will ever try to drive this fast.What can you guess capability means from its context? This paragraph says that this car can reach very high speeds. It sounds like capability means something like “ability to do something.”Context clues help you when you find a word that has more than one meaning. Context clues help make it clear which meaning to give the word.Types of Context CluesTypeDefinitionExampleCause/effectThe unknown word depends on the cause/effect relationship it shares with other words. Some words that signal cause/effect relationships are because, since, consequently, therefore, when, and as a result.Because the bus was tardy, we were late to the first period at parisonThe unknown word has the same meaning as a familiar word or words in a passage. Key words and phrases to look for include like, as, in the same way, both, similar, and also.The tome weighed a ton, and I had to carry that heavy book all the way home.ContrastThe unknown word has the opposite meaning of a familiar word or words in a passage. Key words and phrases to look for include but, however, not, while, yet, except, on the other hand, instead of, unlike, although, and the opposite of.My older brother told me my fifth grade teacher, Ms. Stone, was a tyrant. However, I think she’s nice.Definition or RestatementThe meaning of the unknown word is defined or restated in the sentence or passage. Look for key words and phrases such as is, is called, that is, or, is defined as, means, who is, that is, in other words, or which.An entomologist, or bug expert, studies many kinds of insects.ExampleThe meaning of an unknown word is explained in an example in the sentence or passage. Key phrases are for example, for instance, and such as.People use all kinds of vehicles such as cars, bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles. ................
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