1. Definition/Explanation Clues:
* The author directly defines the unfamiliar word.
* "The omnivore, meaning an animal that eats both plants and meat, can be found in diverse habitats."
* The author explains the meaning of the word using synonyms or rephrasing.
* "The serene atmosphere of the library was perfect for studying - calm and peaceful."
2. Synonym Clues:
* The author uses a synonym (word with the same meaning) for the unfamiliar word.
* "The affluent businesswoman owned several luxury cars and mansions, demonstrating her wealth and prosperity."
3. Antonym Clues:
* The author uses a word with the opposite meaning to help you understand the unfamiliar word.
* "Unlike the industrious bee, the lazy grasshopper spent its summer days singing instead of gathering food."
4. Example Clues:
* The author provides examples to illustrate the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
* "The fauna of the rainforest is diverse, including monkeys, snakes, and colorful birds."
5. Inference Clues:
* The author does not directly define the word, but provides clues that allow you to infer its meaning.
* "The cunning fox outsmarted the farmer by tricking him into giving him the chickens." (You can infer cunning means clever or sly based on the actions of the fox.)
6. Restatement Clues:
* The author rephrases the unfamiliar word in a simpler or more understandable way.
* "The voluminous book was so large, it was almost impossible to hold."
7. Contrast Clues:
* The author compares and contrasts the unfamiliar word with a familiar one.
* "The arrogant politician spoke boastfully, unlike the humble and respectful candidate."
8. Structure Clues:
* The grammatical structure of the sentence provides clues to the word's meaning.
* "The precipitation (rain) fell heavily on the city." (The word in parenthesis is a clue to the meaning of "precipitation".)
It's important to note:
* Not all unfamiliar words will have context clues. You might need to consult a dictionary.
* Sometimes multiple types of context clues are present within a sentence or passage.
By becoming familiar with these different types of context clues, you can improve your reading comprehension and expand your vocabulary!