Keywords:
* Words that explicitly show opposition:
* But, however, yet, although, though, even though, despite, in spite of, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, conversely, while, whereas, unlike, rather than, instead of
* Words that signal a change in direction:
* However, on the contrary, in contrast, by comparison
Phrases:
* "On the one hand...on the other hand..."
* "While this is true...it is also true that..."
* "Despite this...it is also true that..."
Sentence Structure:
* Sentences that present two opposing ideas or facts.
* Sentences with a clear comparison between two things.
Example:
> "The weather was hot and sunny, but the wind was cool and refreshing."
In this example, the word "but" signals a contrast between the hot, sunny weather and the cool, refreshing wind.
How to use contrast clues:
1. Identify the keyword or phrase.
2. Determine what two things are being contrasted.
3. Use the contrast to understand the meaning of the unfamiliar word or phrase.
Example:
> "The voluminous dress was perfect for the summer heat, but it made her feel like she was drowning in fabric."
* Keyword: But
* Contrast: Voluminous dress vs. drowning in fabric
* Meaning of "voluminous": Large and full, perhaps even too large.
By identifying the contrast, we can infer that "voluminous" means something big and possibly too much.