Question

reading: context clues activity
reading: context clues
practice
context clues are clues to the meaning of a word. they are found in the text
surrounding the word. context clues may be words with the same meaning, or they
may be descriptions or explanations. to use context clues, ask yourself the following
questions:

• what kind of word is it? does it name a person or thing? does it describe a

person or thing? does it express an action?

• what word can i use in place of the unfamiliar word?
• does the new sentence make sense?

you may also need to reread or read ahead to find context clues.
example: paul feels great enthusiasm about his new hobby. he wants to share
his excitement about it with his friends.
unfamiliar word: enthusiasm
what kind of word is it? it describes a feeling that paul has about his hobby.
context clue: excitement. by reading ahead, you can see that excitement has a
similar meaning to enthusiasm. you can use it in place of enthusiasm.
a circle the context clues that help you determine the meaning of each underlined
word. write the meaning on the line.

1. __________ the plant is inedible. you cannot eat it because it is poisonous.
2. __________ laura was mystified by the math problem. she could not figure

out how to solve it.
b read the poem. then, complete the activities that follow.
winter is a frigid season, / its cold can freeze your bones. / but winter’s chill is also reason /
to draw closer to your loved ones. / so stay inside, write your missives. / mail them, and you’ll
discover / how quickly friends and family gather around you, / and how much warmth you will
uncover.

1. circle the context clues that help you understand what frigid means.
2. what is the meaning of missives? what context clues helped you determine this?

(handwritten answer: a missive is a letter the context clues used
to come to this conclusion were
write and mail)

Explanation:

Section A

1. The context clue "cannot eat it because it is poisonous" defines the underlined word.
2. The context clue "could not figure out how to solve it" defines the underlined word.

Section B

1. The phrases "cold can freeze your bones" and "winter's chill" share the same meaning as the underlined word.
2. The actions "write" and "Mail" that pair with the underlined word reveal its meaning.

Answer:

Section A

1. Context clue: "cannot eat it because it is poisonous"

Meaning: not fit or safe to eat

1. Context clue: "could not figure out how to solve it"

Meaning: confused or unable to understand

Section B

1. Context clues: "cold can freeze your bones", "winter's chill"
2. Meaning: written messages/letters

Context clues: "write", "Mail"