Question

The Europeans are Portuguese, who from the 1470s were sailing down the west coast of Africa in their galleons on their way to the Indies, but who were also seriously interested in West African pepper, ivory and gold.

–A History of the World in 100 Objects,
Neil MacGregor

Which context clue best helps readers determine the meaning of the word galleon?


What type of context clue is this?


Based on the context clue, what is the meaning of the word galleon in the passage?

Answer 1

1) The phrase “were sailing … on their way to the Indies” best helps readers determine the meaning.
2) This is an inferential/context clue (an action/context clue showing how the word is used).
3) Galleon means a large sailing ship — a seagoing vessel used for long voyages (especially for trade and exploration in the Age of Exploration).