How can context clues help?
Writers often leave clues for readers to find. These clues help readers
understand the meaning of new words or concepts. Using these clues will
give you a general idea about the meaning of new words. Looking in the
dictionary is still the best way to discover the exact meaning and use
of a word.
Writers will leave clues in specific parts of sentences and paragraphs.
Look for context clues in the following places:
- Immediately after a new word
Writers may rename a person, a thing, or an idea immediately after a
new word. This information is often found between commas. Read these
examples.
The coach, Mr. Roberts, was nominated for Coach of the Year
Ferrous oxide, rust, was found on the equipment.
- Before or after a new word
Writers may include additional information in phrases or clauses. This
information may come before or after the new word. It is usually separated
from the main sentence by a comma or semicolon. Read these sentences.
Some animals rely on anaerobic metabolism to survive, so they are able
to get the energy they need despite living in a place with little or
no oxygen.
- In the following sentence
Writers may give a definition for a new word in a following sentence.
Look at the example.
There are several ways that a species may become extinct. Loss of habitat,
natural disaster, and predation are only a few examples. Predation is
a natural process where one living thing kills another living thing
and uses it for food.
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