Context Clues: Mixed Practice
Objectives
Student will be able to:
derive the meaning of various words using context clues.
Introduction
Often, writers will provide readers with clues to help them determine what an unfamiliar word means. They include words and phrases that either state the meaning directly, or give indirect clues as to the meaning.
The words or phrases that surround an unfamiliar word and directly state its meaning are called
concrete context clues
. There are three types of concrete context clues: direct definition (restatements and synonyms), lists or examples, and antonyms (opposites).
Sometimes the reader must
infer
, or figure out, the meaning of the unfamiliar word based on the information presented.
Inferential context clues
suggest the meaning of an unfamiliar word in the clue words or phrases that surround it. The reader can also rely on his or her own personal experience and prior knowledge.
Exercises
Read each sentence below. Based on concrete and inferential context clues, circle the meaning of each underlined word.
1.
The majorettes performed with
exuberance
during the halftime show. Each girl beamed as she danced to the music and twirled her baton.
a.
liveliness and enthusiasm
b.
laziness and slowness
c.
exasperation and pique
d.
dull and boring
a. liveliness and enthusiasm
1
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned
2.
As the spider descended on its web from the ceiling, Margaret responded with
hysteria
. She jumped off her bed and ran from the room as fast as her feet would carry her.
a.
bravery and courage
b.
panic and fright
c.
serenity and composure
d.
hypocrisy and affectation
b. panic and fright
2
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned
3.
In the U.S., holidays such as Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, and Memorial Day
commemorate
events and people.
a.
prove or show
b.
honor or remember
c.
memorize or recollect
d.
commend or recommend
b. honor or remember
3
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned
4.
The class president spoke to the student body using
improvisational
speech. He spoke as if he were talking with a group of friends.
a.
formal, prepared
b.
plotted, practiced
c.
improper, imprudent
d.
unrehearsed, unplanned
d. unrehearsed, unplanned
4
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned
Read each sentence below, and indicate if the context clue provided for each underlined word is concrete or inferential and write your answer on the line.
5.
Renaldo loved risks. He often went on wilderness
ventures
like last year's safari to an African jungle.
concrete
5
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned
6.
My astronomy professor told me to look straight up at the night sky to find the
zenith
.
inferential
6
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned
7.
Many forces of nature
wane
according to atmospheric conditions. For example, the force of wind controls the size of ocean waves. Therefore, if wind is blowing lightly over the ocean, smaller waves are created.
concrete
7
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned
8.
Derrick's parents believe that good grades are
paramount
. Whenever Derrick's grades drop below a "B" average, his privileges, activities, and hobbies are limited until his grades improve.
inferential
8
.
Correct
Incorrect
Not Assigned