1. Context Clues

2. Context?
Example: Tony noticed that the wallabies at the zoo
looked like kangaroos.
Example: Many people have phobias, such as fear of
heights, a fear of water, or a fear of confined
spaces.

3. Types of Context Clues
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Definition Clues
Synonym Clues
Example Clues
Contrast Clues
Inference Clues

4. Example of Definition Clues
Corona refers to the outermost
part of the sun’s atmosphere.
Corona refers to the outermost
part of the sun’s atmosphere.

5. Example of Synonym Clues
Betsy took a break from teaching to serve in the
Peace Core. Despite the hiatus, Betsy’s school
was delighted to rehire her when she
returned.
Betsy took a break from teaching to serve
in the Peace Core. Despite the hiatus,
Betsy’s school was delighted to rehire
her when she returned.

6. Example of Example Clues
In the past month, we have had almost
every type of precipitation, including
rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
In the past month, we have had almost
every type of precipitation, including
rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

7. Example of Contrast Clues
Although Liz felt sad and depressed,
most of the graduates were elated.
Although Liz felt sad and depressed,
most of the graduates were elated.

8. Example of Inference Clues
On hot, humid summer afternoons,
I often feel languid.
On hot, humid summer afternoons,
I often feel languid.

9. Try this one!
The quarterback sustained numerous
injuries: a fractured wrist, two broken
ribs, and a hip injury.
•
•
•
•
•
Definition Clue?
Synonym Clue?
Example Clue?
Contrast Clue?
Inference Clue?

10. Try this one!
The quarterback sustained numerous
injuries: a fractured wrist, two broken
ribs, and a hip injury.
We can tell that the football player had many
injuries since the author lists them. Another way
to say this is “experienced” numerous injuries.

11. So, remember…the first thing you s

12. The Castle in the Attic
“This is the armory,” Mrs. Phillips explained as she
pulled open the small door beyond. “The weapons
are kept here.” Shields, lances, and swords were
attached to the wall.

13. The Castle in the Attic
“That’s the wardrobe, where the clothes are kept.
The two rooms over the armory and the stable are
smaller bedrooms for servants or children. You
enter them through the master chamber or through
the door from the allure, which is the correct name
for the wall walk.

14. The first chapter in Hunger Games.