Unit 13: Vocabulary and Spelling
Lesson 96
Building Vocabulary: Learning Words from Context
Clues to the meaning of an unfamiliar word
may be found in its context, or the words
and sentences surrounding it. These clues may be in the form of specific clues or general
context.
INTERPRETING CLUE WORDS
Definition
—The unfamiliar word is actually defined after a clue word.
Clue words
include
which is, which means, and
that is.
Ms. Meyers was
ambiguous in her instructions,
which means that
her directions were
not clear.
Example
—The unfamiliar word is illustrated by an example or an analogy. Clue words
include
like, for example, for instance, these, including, and
especially.
Remnants of ancient cultures,
like mounds, tell us much of their way of life.
Comparison
—The unfamiliar word is likened to a familiar one. Clue words include
like,
also, likewise, similarly, in the same way, similar to, resembling, and
as.
Jason
gorged on snacks;
similarly, Yoshika overate until she felt uncomfortable.
Contrast
—The unfamiliar word is shown as the opposite of a familiar word. Clue words
include
whereas, but, although, on the contrary, however, on the other hand, and
in
contrast to.
Although her husband was careless with his checkbook, Mrs. Nguyen
assiduously
recorded every transaction in hers.
Cause and effect
—An unfamiliar cause is explained by a familiar effect. Clue words
include
because, as a result, therefore, when, and
consequently.
The man was
indigent and
therefore could not afford even necessities.
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