Context Clues
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will:
- Identify five types of context clues
- Practice using context to determine word meaning
- Apply strategies for SAT/ACT vocabulary-in-context questions
- Recognize signal words that indicate context clue types
Practice Quiz
Use context clues to determine word meanings. Click to reveal each answer.
Question 1: "The committee reached a consensus; everyone agreed that the proposal should move forward." What type of context clue is used for "consensus"?
Answer: Definition clue - the word is directly defined.
Explanation: The semicolon introduces a restatement: "everyone agreed" directly defines consensus as general agreement.
Question 2: "Unlike her loquacious brother who never stopped talking, Maya was quiet and reserved." What does "loquacious" mean, and what type of clue is used?
Answer: Talkative. This is a contrast clue.
Explanation: "Unlike" signals a contrast. Since Maya is "quiet and reserved," her brother must be the opposite - very talkative.
Question 3: "The hikers were famished after their long trek; they devoured sandwiches, chips, and fruit immediately." What does "famished" mean?
Answer: Extremely hungry.
Explanation: This uses an example clue. The examples of devouring food show the intensity of their hunger after the trek.
Question 4: "The child's whimpering, or soft crying, told us something was wrong." What type of context clue defines "whimpering"?
Answer: Synonym/definition clue using "or."
Explanation: The phrase "or soft crying" directly provides a synonym. Signal words like "or," "that is," and "in other words" often introduce definitions.
Question 5: "The professor was known for her parsimony; she reused paper clips, turned off lights obsessively, and never spent unnecessarily." What does "parsimony" mean?
Answer: Extreme frugality or stinginess.
Explanation: Example clues show extreme money-saving behavior. The examples (reusing paper clips, obsessive about lights) illustrate the concept.
Question 6: "The once-vibrant neighborhood had become decrepit: buildings crumbled, weeds overtook gardens, and paint peeled from every surface." What does "decrepit" mean?
Answer: Worn out, deteriorated, in a state of decay.
Explanation: The colon introduces examples (crumbling buildings, overgrown weeds, peeling paint) that illustrate the meaning.
Question 7: "Her trepidation about the interview was evident; her hands shook and her voice trembled." What does "trepidation" mean?
Answer: Fear or anxiety; nervous apprehension.
Explanation: The physical symptoms described (shaking hands, trembling voice) are inference clues that show fear and nervousness.
Question 8: "Although he appeared languid during the meeting, James worked energetically when no one was watching." What type of clue helps define "languid"?
Answer: Contrast clue. "Languid" means lacking energy, sluggish.
Explanation: "Although" signals contrast with "worked energetically," so languid must mean the opposite - slow, lacking energy.
Question 9: "The speaker used hyperbole, such as 'I've told you a million times,' to emphasize her point." What type of clue is used?
Answer: Example clue with "such as."
Explanation: Hyperbole means extreme exaggeration. The example "I've told you a million times" illustrates this exaggeration technique.
Question 10: "The medicine had an adverse effect, causing headaches and nausea instead of relieving symptoms." What does "adverse" mean and how do you know?
Answer: Harmful or negative. This uses contrast and example clues.
Explanation: "Instead of relieving symptoms" contrasts the expected outcome. The examples (headaches, nausea) show harmful effects.
Next Steps
- Practice identifying context clue types in your reading
- Look for signal words that introduce context clues
- Move on to review mistakes when ready