Context Clues: Unlocking the Meaning of Words

• ELA
• 6th Grade

Context Clues: Unlocking the Meaning of Words

Learning Objective

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to use context clues to understand the meaning of new words 

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain what they will be able to accomplish by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about using
context clues to understand
the meaning of new words?

What are Context Clues?

Context clues are hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word within a book, article, or other text.

Explain to the students what context clues are and why they are important in understanding the meaning of new words in a text.

Types of Context Clues

There are several different types of context clues including Definition, Synonym, Antonym, Example, and General Information.

Introduce the different types of context clues to the students and explain each one.

Definition Clues

Definition clues provide a direct explanation of what a word means.

Give an example of a definition clue and have the students practice identifying definition clues in a sentence.

Synonym Clues

Synonym clues provide a word that means the same or nearly the same as the unknown word.

Give an example of a synonym clue and have the students practice identifying synonym clues in a sentence.

Antonym Clues

Antonym clues provide a word that means the opposite of the unknown word.

Give an example of an antonym clue and have the students practice identifying antonym clues in a sentence.

Example Clues

Example clues provide an example of what the unknown word means.

Give an example of an example clue and have the students practice identifying example clues in a sentence.

General Information Clues

General information clues provide information about the subject or topic of the text that may help the reader understand the meaning of the unknown word.

Give an example of a general information clue and have the students practice identifying general information clues in a sentence.

Multiple Choice Questions

Answer the following questions about the meaning of a word in a sentence based on context clues.

Provide the students with multiple choice questions that test their ability to identify context clues and understand the meaning of new words within a sentence.

Open Questions

Answer the following questions about the meaning of a word in a sentence based on context clues.

Provide the students with open questions that test their ability to identify context clues and understand the meaning of new words within a sentence.

Practice Sentences

Practice using context clues to understand the meaning of new words in a sentence.

Provide the students with practice sentences that require them to use context clues to understand the meaning of new words.

What is the meaning of the word 'indignant' in the following sentence?
She was indignant when she found out she had been lied to.

1. Happy or content
2. Nervous or anxious
3. Sad or depressed
4. Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong

What is the meaning of the word 'excruciating' in the following sentence?
He felt excruciating pain in his leg after the accident.

1. Intensely painful or agonizing
2. Mild or tolerable
3. Pleasurable or enjoyable
4. Comfortable or soothing

What is the meaning of the word 'elated' in the following sentence?
She was elated after receiving news of her promotion.

1. Bored or uninterested
2. Extremely happy or joyful
3. Angry or frustrated
4. Sad or unhappy

What is the meaning of the word 'ominous' in the following sentence?
The dark clouds in the sky looked ominous.

1. Calm or peaceful
2. Bright or sunny
3. Friendly or welcoming
4. Threatening or indicating something bad will happen

What is the meaning of the word 'pensive' in the following sentence?
After her loss, she had a pensive expression on her face.

1. Angry or irritable
2. Thoughtful or reflective
3. Excited or thrilled
4. Happy or joyful

What are context clues?

What are definition clues?

What are examples clues?