Contextual
Clues
(Context clues)
are hints or pieces of
information within the poem
that help readers understand the
meaning of difficult words or
phrases.
(Context clues)
These clues can come from the
words and sentences surrounding
the unfamiliar word, helping
readers figure out its
meaning without needing to
look it up.
Types of Context
Clues
(Types of Context
Clues)
Definition Clues
Sometimes the poem will provide a definition
for a difficult word right in the next line or
within the same line
Example:
His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like
appearance, was frightening to see.
(Types of Context
Clues)
Definition Clues
The night was somber, dark and gloomy.
Fluoroscopy, examination with a fluoroscope,
has become a common practice.
The dudeen – a short-stemmed clay pipe – is
found in Irish folk tales.
(Types of Context
Clues)
Example Clues
The poem gives examples that help explain
the difficult word.
Example: Piscatorial creatures, such as flounder,
salmon, and trout, live in the coldest parts of the
ocean.
(Types of Context
Clues)
example Clues
The meadow was teeming with wildlife: rabbits, deer,
and birds were everywhere.
Celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars,
have fascinated man through the centuries
In the course of man’s evolution, certain organs have
atrophied. The appendix, for example, has wasted away
from disuse.
(Types of Context
Clues)
Synonym Clues
The poem might use a word that means the
same thing as the difficult word to help explain
it.
Example:
The child was elated, filled with joy and
happiness
(Types of Context
Clues)
synonyms Clues
Marcos felt remorse, or shame, for the mean
words he said to his sister.
The annual bazaar is scheduled for the last day
of school. It's always a fun festival
(Types of Context
Clues)
Antonym Clues
An opposite word or phrase is used to show
what the difficult word means by contrast
Example:
Unlike the vibrant spring, the winter was
dreary and dull
(Types of Context
Clues)
Antonym Clues
The children were as different as day and night.
He was a lively conversationalist, but she was
reserved and taciturn.
He should try to be magnanimous. Being selfish
and bitter towards others will only make people
dislike being around him.
(Types of Context
Clues)
Explanation Clues
The poem explains the difficult word in more
detail within the surrounding lines.
Example:
The ancient tree, a giant oak with sprawling
branches, stood as a sentinel in the forest.
(Types of Context
Clues)
Explanation Clues
Haberdashery, which is a store that sells men’s
clothing, is becoming more common today
The patient is so somnolent that she requires
medication to help her stay awake for more than a
short time.
How to Use
Context Clues
How to Use
1. Context
Read Clues Lines.
the Surrounding
Look at the lines before and
after the unfamiliar word.
2. Look for Synonyms or
Antonyms. Check if the poem
uses similar or opposite words to
explain the difficult word.
How to Use
3. Context
Check Clues
for Examples. See if the
poem provides examples that
illustrate what the word means.
4. Find Definitions or Explanations.
Look for a definition or a
detailed description within the
poem.
quiz
Direction!
1. Read each poem excerpt carefully
2. Use the context clues provided in
the surrounding lines to determine
the meaning of the underlined word.
3. Write the meaning of the word and
explain which type of context clue
helped you (definition, synonym,
antonym, example, or explanation).
Example!
Poem Excerpt: "The old mansion was eerie, with
its creaking floors and ghostly
shadows."
Unfamiliar word: eerie
Meaning: spooky or creepy
1. Poem Excerpt: "The sky was azure, a bright blue that
stretched across the horizon."
Unfamiliar word: ____________
Meaning:______________
2. Poem Excerpt: "The warrior was valiant, brave and fearless
in the face of danger."
Unfamiliar word: ____________
Meaning:______________
3. Poem Excerpt: "Her voice was melodious, like the sweet
sound of a harp."
Unfamiliar word: ____________
Meaning:______________
4. Poem Excerpt: "The room felt claustrophobic, unlike the
wide-open spaces of the park."
Unfamiliar word: ____________
Meaning:______________
5. Poem Excerpt: "The child was exuberant, filled with energy
and excitement."
Unfamiliar word: ____________
Meaning:______________
6. Poem Excerpt: "The storm was ferocious, with strong winds
and relentless rain."
Unfamiliar word: ____________
Meaning:______________
quiz
Direction: Carefully read the following lines and
identify the clues to uncover their meanings.
1. Is there any cream or lotion that I could use to
soothe this pain?
a. destroy
b. calm
c. ruin
d. maintain
Direction: Carefully read the following lines and
identify the clues to uncover their meanings.
2. A very tired father of the house found his repose on
that old rocking chair.
a. rest
b. anger
c. chaos
d. friend
Direction: Carefully read the following lines and
identify the clues to uncover their meanings.
3. The administration compelled its staff to provide
the office with the necessary documents immediately.
a. pleaded
b. asked
c. obliged
d. requested
Direction: Carefully read the following lines and
identify the clues to uncover their meanings.
4. The company president descends from a poor
family that’s why he is very considerate to the needy.
a. originate
b. walk
c. live
d. stay
Direction: Carefully read the following lines and
identify the clues to uncover their meanings.
5. The harsh words that come out his mouth and
thrown at his subordinates show that he lacks
prudence.
a. caution
b. love
c. passion
d. dignity
