To understand unfamiliar words, look for context clues around the word like synonyms that have the same meaning, antonyms that have the opposite meaning, explanations that define the word, and examples that illustrate the word's usage. Effective strategies include using synonyms, antonyms, explanations, and examples within the surrounding text to determine a word's definition rather than getting stuck on words you don't know.

1. Context Clues

2. To find context clues you
have to think like a shark!

3. You have to look all around
to find clues to the
meaning of the word!

4. Use these 4 strategies to
help you attack the word
and find its meaning.

5. #1 Find a Synonym
You might find a word with the same
meaning.
The homework was
more complicated, or
difficult than she had
first thought.

6. #2 Find an Antonym
Even though some of
the dogs were very
docile, others were very
mean.
You might find a word with the opposite
meaning.

7. #3 Find an Explanation
The word might be explained in the sentence
before or after the unfamiliar word.
Jo was so
exhausted, she
could hardly
keep her eyes
open.

8. #4 Find an Example
Sometimes, right after
the word, an example
will be given.
Celestial bodies, such
as the sun, moon and
stars can be seen in the
sky.

9. If you still can’t read the
word, leave it and just
keep reading!