| Do you find it hard to comprehend reading texts? | | | | of the most common types of context clues. |
| The problem could be your inability to understand | | | | 1. Definition. Some authors tell readers what a |
| the difficult words you encounter. When words | | | | word means. |
| look -- and sound - strange to you, they are likely | | | | Example: Self-disclosure refers to the process of |
| to affect your comprehension to a text as a | | | | letting yourself be known to others |
| whole. The new words can range from general | | | | 2. Synonyms. Authors may introduce a new word |
| vocabulary words to specialized and technical | | | | by using a familiar word with the same meaning. |
| vocabulary used by authors in a specific discipline. | | | | Example: The dividends or payments received |
| If you can't unlock the meaning of these words, | | | | from the company were deposited in the bank. |
| you will most likely not understand what you are | | | | 3. Antonyms. A new word may be introduced by |
| reading | | | | using a familiar word that means the opposite. |
| Here are some common problems that you may | | | | Example: Some people are introvert, while others |
| encounter in understanding what you read. | | | | are very outgoing. |
| 1. Unfamiliar words | | | | 4. Description. Sometimes writers use enough |
| 2. Trying to figure out meanings from context | | | | description so that the meaning can be |
| 3. Stopping to look up words in the dictionary | | | | determined through the details. |
| 4. Multiple meanings | | | | Example: The griffin was a mythological creation |
| 5. Remembering meanings | | | | with an eagle's wings, head and beaks; but with |
| One effective means of getting to the meaning | | | | the body, legs and tail of a lion. |
| of words is through context clues. The context | | | | 5. Examples. Writers often provide examples |
| of an unfamiliar word refers to the words, | | | | within the sentences. |
| sentences, and paragraphs that surround that | | | | Example: Suffixes such as -ly and -ate change the |
| unfamiliar word. Context clues are features within | | | | part of speech of words. |
| the sentence or paragraph that can help you to | | | | 6. Summary. Authors at times give a series of |
| define the unfamiliar word. For example, you may | | | | items and summarize them into a single word. |
| or may not know the meaning of the word | | | | Example: The soup was cold. The salad greens |
| aptitude by itself. However, when this word | | | | were wilted. The meat was practically raw. The |
| appears in context, you can guess the meaning: | | | | vegetables were mushy. The dessert was burned. |
| "Picasso revealed his aptitude for painting at an | | | | In short, the whole meal was inedible. |
| early age." You're correct if you have guessed | | | | Using context clues can really save your time, |
| talent. | | | | improve your reading rate, and, more importantly, |
| You can become skillful at using context clues if | | | | increase your understanding. |
| you practice. Here is a brief description of some | | | | |