One effective strategy for using context clues to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word is the "Context Clue Strategy." This involves several steps:
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Read the Surrounding Text: Look at the sentences before and after the unfamiliar word to gather information that might hint at its meaning.
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Identify Types of Context Clues: There are various types of context clues you can look for:
- Definition Clue: The word may be defined directly within the sentence.
- Synonym Clue: A synonym might be provided to give a similar meaning.
- Antonym Clue: An antonym can offer insight into the meaning by indicating what the word is not.
- Example Clue: Often, examples can provide clarity about the unfamiliar word.
- Inferred Clue: Sometimes, the overall meaning of the passage or the tone can help infer the word’s meaning.
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Make an Informed Guess: Based on the clues you’ve identified, make an educated guess about the meaning of the word.
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Check Your Understanding: After making your guess, consider whether the meaning makes sense in the context of the entire sentence or passage.
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Look It Up: Finally, if possible, look up the definition to confirm your guess.
Using this systematic approach helps to unlock the meanings of unfamiliar words through the context in which they are found.