Context Clues Flashcards

Grade 3 · English · Flashcards

Study the types of context clues that help decode unknown words.

Flashcards

context clues: Words/phrases around an unknown word that hint at its meaning
definition clue: Author explains the word directly; signal words: 'means,' 'is called,' 'or'
example clue: Examples of the word are listed; signal words: 'such as,' 'like,' 'for example'
synonym clue: A word with a similar meaning appears nearby; signal word: 'or'
antonym clue: An opposite-meaning word creates contrast; signal words: 'unlike,' 'but,' 'not'
restatement clue: The idea is restated in simpler words — often after a dash (—) or comma
inference clue: No direct signal — you piece together meaning from surrounding details
elated: Extremely happy (example of using synonym clue: 'elated, or extremely happy')
arid: Very dry (example: deserts are arid — extreme dryness is an inference clue)
nocturnal: Active at night (definition clue example: 'nocturnal, which means active at night')
habitat: An animal's natural home (restatement clue example with dashes)
swift: Very fast (antonym clue: 'unlike the slow turtle, the swift cheetah')