Unit 2

Finding Context Clues

When students try to comprehend a text they often come across some
unknown words. Many students waste their time when opening a dictionary to
understand every word in a particular text. This is not necessary. You don’t need to
use a dictionary every time you want to find out the meaning of the word because
you can use a reading technique which can help you to figure out a meaning of a
word by using the words around it. It is called “context clues”
Context clues are hints to help the reader understand an unfamiliar word.
The author usually uses clues to give the information about an extra word which is
used in the text. In this unit you can learn five common types of context clues:
definition clues, synonym clues, antonym clues, example clues and inference or
logic clues.
Punctuation can be used in some types of context clues. Punctuation is a
mark that is used to organize or indicate something in the text. The authors usually
use punctuation as an aid for readers to understand the text better. These
punctuations include dashes, brackets, colon, semicolon, etc.
You can guess the meaning of the unknown words from the context of the
sentence or paragraph. Context may be words or sentences around the unknown
word which help you to determine the meaning of the word. You can guess the
word meaning by looking at surrounding words to find clues. Those clues enable you
to figure out the meaning. Sometimes you do not need to know the exact meaning
of the word just knowing the general sense is sufficient to help you read effectively.
The content of this unit is based on the topic of “ Using Context Clues” in my
own textbook “Essential Reading Skills for College Students”. (Lohday, 2016: 79 -95)
You will learn five common types of context clues: definition clues, synonym clues,
contrast or antonym clues, example clues and inference or logic clue.
 22

I. Definition Clues
The authors usually give the explanation or the meaning of the extra word
immediately after it to make sure that the readers understand the content. There
may be some clues such as phrases or punctuations.
Words or phrases: is, are, which is, which are, is called, are called, is known as
Punctuation: a colon (:), a semicolon (:), dash (-), comma (,)
Example: Dactylology is sign language made with the fingers to
communicate and convey ideas.
From the example sentence the word “is” is a clue indicating that the
sentence after that is the definition of the word “Dactylology”
Exercise 1: Circle the clues and underline the definition of the bold printed
words.
1. Owls are nocturnal. This means they fly around and look for food at night.
2. The flower called “dandelions” is edible; it can be eaten.
3. Some children are ambidextrous. By this we mean they are able to use both left
and right hands equally well.
4. Deficit is a situation when a government has more expenses than income.
5. Our bodies have a kind of chemical which help everyone grow. It is called “growth
hormone”
6. Participants were chosen to give a speech randomly- having no specific pattern.
This made everyone so excited.
7. Most of the Thai night markets are at the pedestrian zones, which are areas only
for walkers where no cars are allowed. You might have to park your car far away.
8. People in many capital cities often get stuck in gridlock which is known as a
terrible traffic jam which has no vehicular movement. They waste a lot of hours
on streets.
 23

9. Good staff have to set their tasks by priority –by order of importance – which
helps them to work efficiently.
10. Nowadays people can work at home and communicate by computers,
smartphones and tablets – which is defined as “telecommuting.”

II. Synonym Clues

The authors often use another word which has the same or similar meaning
with the word that has already been mentioned. Punctuation and words or phrases
may be used in the sentence
Words or phrases: or, that is, i.e.
Punctuation: brackets ( ), a semicolon (:), dash (-), comma (,)
Example: After-sale service is one of the factors which made the clients
or customers decide to purchase your product.
If you do not know the meaning of the word “clients”, you will see the word
“or” which indicates that the next word is the similar meaning word which we call
“synonym.”
Exercise 2: Circle clues and underline synonyms of the words in bold print in
each sentence.
1. Exercise is very important in order to alleviate or reduce stress.
2. Regular exercise can keep you energized (full of energy)
3. I usually carry creel - a wicker basket – to hold the fish I catch.
4. Most parents indulge or spoil the children.
5. It is very difficult to beat a lethargic i.e. lazy lifestyle.
6. Laura tries to eschew or avoid dessert because she would like to lose weight.
7. We couldn’t endure anymore because she was so verbose (talkative).
8. My friend damaged my library book so she has to make remuneration–
compensation- to me.
 24

9. Headaches and stomachaches are symptoms caused by tension or pressure.

10. If you don’t understand some words in the text, you can use context clues to
assist or help you to figure out the word meaning.

Exercise 3: Replace the bold printed words with its synonym.

ideas choices know chance meet people
………………………
Studying abroad is a great 1. opportunity, and for many people, it’s a dream
………………………
comes true. However, it is important to 2. realize that people in other cultures may
………………………
think and behave differently. In some cultures, for example, your 3.options of what

to wear may be different. It may also be wrong to drink alcohol, or for women and
………………………
men to 4. socialize in certain places. If you go to another country on a study trip,

try to respect the culture you are living in. You may not be comfortable about
………………………
certain things, but do not believe your 5. values are always better. Try to

understand, and live as the local people live.

(Craven, 2003: 15)
 25

III. Antonym Clues

Sometimes the authors use the word which has an opposite meaning to help
readers guess the word meaning. There is no punctuation but words or phrases are
very helpful.
Words or phrases: but, although, while, whereas, however, not, instead of, unlike,
on the other hand, rather than
Example: Most of women like a monogamous man not a flirtatious one.
When you do not what “monogamous” means you could look at the clue
which indicates the antonym in this sentence. It is the word “not”. So you could
interpret that “monogamous” is opposite of “flirtatious” Then you will know that
“monogamous” means not flirtatious.
Exercise 4: Circle clues and underline antonyms of the word in bold print in
each sentence.
1. Unlike international flights, domestic flights are much cheaper; sometimes you
can fly for free when there is a big deal promotion.
2. When we moved to our new home, my mom moved everything carefully but the
workers who helped us were careless.
3. George is very active. He likes adventure but his son is passive and prefers staying
home.
4. The driver expected his license would be renewed, but he found that it was
revoked.
5. When I was young I liked mental work. I was happy to do math problems rather
than physical work like swimming or cycling.
6. People in the countryside are healthy, unlike people in urban areas who are
infirm.
7. Bob was nervous about a calculus test whereas Billy was relaxed.
 26

8. Simon’s family has two daughters, Sally and Sarah. Sally is hostile while Sarah is
quite friendly.
9. Instead of frowning, he had a smirk when he met a pretty girl.
10. Even when he tries to clean it, his room is still messy.

IV. Example Clues

The authors may give some examples to help the reader interpret the word
meaning. You need to be aware that the given example is not the meaning of the
word instead, you have to interpret from those examples in order to understand the
word meaning. The following are some clues.
Words or phrases: for example, for instance, such as, like
Punctuation: a colon (:), a semicolon (;)
Example: There are many kinds of digital equipment such as
computers, tablets and smartphones. They make
communication convenient.
You can determine the meaning of “digital equipment”. Notice the clue
“such as” which is used to give the examples: computers, tablet and smartphones.
You just ask yourself “What are computers, tablet and smartphones?” You can
interpret that they are devices that process data in electronic technology.

Exercise 5: Work in pairs. Circle clues, underline the example and give the
meaning of the bold printed words.
1. Celestial objects -including the sun, moon, and stars -have fascinated man
through the century.
“Celestial objects” means ______________________________________________.
 27

2. Every year many Thai people died because of serious diseases for example, AIDS,
cancer, Tuberculosis (TB).
“diseases” means ____________________________________________________.
3. The nurse checked vital signs such as body temperature, blood pressure, pulse
and breathing rate before taking me to see the doctor.
“vital signs” means ____________________________________________________.
4. Many tourists like visiting Thailand because there are several attractions in
Thailand. For example, Similan Island, Railay Beach, Chiangmai Night Bazaar,
Ayuthaya, and the Grand Palace are popular attractions.
“attractions” means ____________________________________________________.
5. The main problem of Bangkok is pollution like car exhaust, waste water and
rubbish which should be solved.
“pollution” means ____________________________________________________.
6. I try to use my free time for leisure activities: going fishing, playing volleyball and
doing gardening.
“leisure activities” means _______________________________________________.
7. The weather researcher found that atmospheric conditions such as sun, wind,
rain, and snow influence human’s health and feelings.
“atmospheric conditions” means ________________________________________.
8. Some examples of Thai architectures are traditional Thai house, Buddhist
temples, house of monk (Kuti), open pavilion (Sala Thai). They are a valuable
legacy for Thai people.
“Thai architectures” means _____________________________________________.
9. People in high mountain regions get the benefit of a healthful environment e.g.
fresh air, clean water, and moderate temperature. These conditions make them
healthy.
“healthful environment” means ________________________________________.
 28

V. Inference or logic clues

The authors might not describe the word meaning directly. You have to imply
from the meaning of the whole sentence and figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar
word.
Example: We bought a plot of land for 1,000,000 baht, then we sold it for 1,500,000,
so we made 500,000 baht profit.
The example above has no clues, but you can imply that the price of selling
is more than the price of buying so “profit” means the money you got after counting
all expenses.

Exercise 6: Work in pairs. Give the correct meaning of the bold printed words.
1. Although his leg was cut off, he wasn’t depressed about it.
“depressed” means __________________________________________________.
2. The workers have to finish their work this month so they have to increase working
hours from 8 to 12 hours a day.
“increase” means _____________________________________________________.
3. Most Bangkokians take many hours to commute from their home to their work
every day.
“commute” means ____________________________________________________.
4. When you are at home, it is hard to focus on your work. Your children, housework
and TV programs usually distract you.
“distract” means ______________________________________________________.
5. Since there was no electricity, campers tried to illuminate their tents with
flashlight and candles.
“illuminate” means ____________________________________________________.
 29

Conclusion
The five types of context clues assist you to figure out the meaning of an
unfamiliar word. Whenever you encounter an unknown word, it is advised not to
stop reading and look up the meaning from dictionary. Keep reading, surrounding
words or sentences encourage you to find out the meaning of the unknown word.
The important skill for using context clue is knowing what the clue in the sentence
and which type of clue should be used in each case.

Activity
I. Work in pairs. Discuss together and identify meaning, clue and type of clue in
each sentence.
1. Thomas conducted a research about biometeorology that is a study of the
interaction between atmospheric condition and living organism.
Biometeorology means____________________________________________________
Clue(s):______________________________________________________________
Type of clue: ____________________________________________________________
2. Education in England is egalitarian; that is, all students are equal and learn the
same materials.
egalitarian means ________________________________________________________
Clue(s):______________________________________________________________
Type of clue: _____________________________________________________________
3. Flu or cold are usually relevant to temperature changes.
Flu means _____________________________________________________________
Clue(s):______________________________________________________________
Type of clue: _____________________________________________________________
 30

4. When you have a breathing problem, it can often lead to pneumonia.

(lung disease).
pneumonia means ________________________________________________________
Clue(s):______________________________________________________________
Type of clue: _____________________________________________________________
5. University students have moral sense but primary students are innocent.
moral sense means________________________________________________________
Clue(s):______________________________________________________________
Type of clue: _____________________________________________________________
6. The economy of Thailand is based on agriculture for example rice, rubber, sugar,
fish etc.
agriculture means _________________________________________________________
Clue(s):_____________________________________________________________
Type of clue: _____________________________________________________________
7. The anatomical features of the respiratory system include the trachea, bronchitis,
lung and diaphram.
The anatomical features means ___________________________________________
Clue(s) _____________________________________________________________
Type of clue:____________________________________________________________
8. Many people were favorable toward the Harry Potter movie. They saw it more
than three times.
favorable means __________________________________________________________
Clue(s): _____________________________________________________________
Type of clue: ___________________________________________________________
 31

References
Craven, M. (2003). Developing Reading Keys. Oxford: Macmillan.
Lohday, K. (2016). Essential Reading Skills for College Students. Pathumthani:
Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University.