Vocabulary: Getting Meaning From Context

Vocabulary: Getting Meaning From Context Freshmen Studies

A bit of bad news… • It is impossible to learn every word in the English language. • There will probably almost always be words in books/magazines/other reading materials that you don’t understand.

Ever feel like this? • During the storm, the dog’s house was inundated with water in an expeditious manner. • It’s hard to read when you’re intimidated by words you don’t understand.

What are your choices? • Most people just skip the word…. (During the storm, the dog’s house was _______ with water in an _____________ manner.) • Look it up in the dictionary… • Or…you can use the other words in the sentence to help you!

Isn’t this better? • During the storm, the dog’s house was inundated with water in an expeditious manner. • Sometimes you have to look around the big words and learn from the ones you know. • By looking at the relationship between these words, we can figure out the meaning of the ones we don’t understand.

Using Context Clues • The skill of examining the context of a sentence to develop a working definition for an unknown word. • Using clues in the sentence to understand a word.

Four Kinds of Context Clues… • #1…Definition or Restatement • The definition is included in the sentence. • Example: If your house depreciates, that means it loses some of its value. • Depreciate means…

Four Kinds of Context Clues… • #2…Example or Description • The sentence includes an example or characteristic of the unknown word. • Example: The sweatshops were characterized by overcrowding, poor heat and ventilation, and very low wages. • A sweatshop is a…

Four Kinds of Context Clues • #3…Comparison or Contrast • The author tells you about the word by comparing it to something else. • Example: Instead of being demoted, she was offered a new and better job that paid more. • Demoted means…

Four Kinds of Context Clues • #4…Inference • An inference is a conclusion you create by examining various facts and then making a reasonable judgment. • Example: Before he went on the blind date, George’s palms became sweaty as he experienced a moment of trepidation. • Trepidation means…

Not so fast… • Context clues are a great tool. Over time they will make you a better reader. • Sometimes, however, it is best to consult a dictionary if you simply can’t find enough clues to figure a word out.

Ideas… • Use a sheet of paper to keep your place marked in a book… • Write unknown words on that sheet of paper and look them up.

For you visual learners… Using context clues=

Vocabulary: Getting Meaning From Context