Poetry:

Context
Clues,
Affixes and
Author
 OBJECTIVES

• Recall key insights and concepts

from the previous lesson on poetry.

• Interpret the meaning of words

and phrases using context clues
and affi xes.

• Explore the author's background

using a biography graphic
organizer.

• Analyze a poem to uncover

universal truths and essential life
themes.
 Guide Questions:
1. During difficult
times in life, do you
feel that God/Allah is
with you?
2. Do you believe in
His steadfast love
and His power to
save you?
Overcoming
nervousness
CONFIDENCE-BUILDING
S T R AT E G I E S
Engaging the audience
 CONTEXT CLUES
A R E H I N T S O R P I E C E S O F I N F O R M AT I O N W I T H I N T H E P O E M
T H AT H E L P
R E A D E R S U N D E R S TA N D T H E M E A N I N G O F D I F F I C U LT W O R D S
O R P H RA S E S . T H E S E C LU E S C A N
COME FROM THE WORDS AND SENTENCES SURROUNDING
T H E U N FA M I L I A R W O R D , H E L P I N G
READERS FIGURE OUT ITS MEANING WITHOUT NEEDING TO
LO O K I T U P.
TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES

1. Definition Clues 2. Synonym Clues

Sometimes the poem will The poem might use a word
provide a definition for a that means the same thing
difficult word right in the as the difficult word to help
next line or within the same explain it (e.g., The child
line (e.g., The night was was elated, filled with joy
somber, dark and gloomy). and happiness).
TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES

3. Antonym Clues 4. Example Clues

An opposite word or phrase The poem gives examples that

is used to show what the help explain the difficult word.

difficult word means by (e.g., The meadow was

contrast (e.g., Unlike the teeming with wildlife: rabbits,
deer, and birds were
vibrant spring, the winter
was dreary and dull). everywhere).
TYPES OF CONTEXT CLUES

5. Explanation Clues
The poem explains the
difficult word in more detail
within the surrounding lines
(e.g., The ancient tree, a
giant oak with sprawling
branches, stood as a sentinel
in the forest).
How to Use Context Clues

1. Read the Surrounding Lines. 3. Check for Examples. See if

Look at the lines before and the poem provides examples
after the unfamiliar word. that illustrate what the word
2. Look for Synonyms or means.
Antonyms. Check if the poem 4. Find Definitions or
uses similar or opposite words Explanations. Look for a
to explain the difficult word. definition or a detailed
description within the poem.
SEATWORK
1. Poem Excerpt: "The sky was azure, a bright blue that stretched across
the horizon."
Meaning: ____________
Type of context clue:____
2. Poem Excerpt: "The warrior was valiant, brave and fearless in the face
of danger."
Meaning: ____________
Type of context clue: ____________
3. Poem Excerpt: "Her voice was melodious, like the sweet sound of a
harp."
Meaning: ____________
Type of Context Clue: ____________
4. Poem Excerpt: "The room felt claustrophobic, unlike the wide-open
spaces of the park."
Meaning: ____________
Type of Context Clue: ____________
5. Poem Excerpt: "The child was exuberant, filled with energy and
excitement."
Meaning: ____________
Type of Context Clue: ____________
6. Poem Excerpt: "The storm was ferocious, with strong winds and
relentless rain."
Meaning: ____________
Direction: Carefully read the following lines and identify the clues to uncover their meanings. Circle your
answers from the provided choices.

1. Is there any cream or lotion that I could use to soothe this pain?
a. destroy b. calm c. ruin d. maintain
2. A very tired father of the house found his repose on that old
rocking chair.
a. rest b. anger c. chaos d. friend
3. The administration compelled its staff to provide the office with the
necessary documents immediately.
a. pleaded b. asked c. obliged d. requested
4. The company president descends from a poor family that’s why he
is very considerate to the needy.
a. originate b. walk c. live d. stay
5. The harsh words that come out his mouth and thrown at his
subordinates show that he lacks prudence.
a. caution b. love c. passion d. dignity
 AFFIXES
AFFIXES ARE SMALL WORD PARTICLES,
USUALLY ONLY A FEW LETTERS, ADDED TO
A ROOT WORD
TO CHANGE ITS MEANING OR
GRAMMATICAL PROPERTIES.
They are classified into four
main types based on their position relative to the root word:

1. Prefixes: Affi xes attached to the beginning 3. Infixes are a special type of affi x that comes
of a root word (e.g., "un-" in "unhappy"). in the middle of a word. However, the English
language doesn’t use infixes. Infixes are more
2. Suffi xes**: Affi xes attached to the end of a common in other languages, including Greek,
root word (e.g., "-ness" in"happiness"). Austronesian languages like Tagalog, and
Suffi xes are mainly used for grammar Indigenous American languages like Choctaw.
purposes:
● verb conjugation (work- worked) 4. Circumfixes are pairs of prefixes and
● plurality (fox - foxes) suffi xes always used together.
● possession (Juliana - Juliana’s) Circumfixes in English are very rare, but the
● reflexive pronouns (them - themselves) circumfix of en– and –en is
● comparatives and superlatives (fast - faster, seen in the common word enlighten, and the
fastest) circumfix of em– and –en is
● changing word class (swim - swimmer) seen in embolden
I N P O E T RY. A F F I X E S H E L P U N C O V E R T H E M E A N I N G S O F
WORDS. FOR EXAMPLE, "FRIEND," A NOUN MEANING
S O M E O N E AT TA C H E D T O A N O T H E R BY A F F E C T I O N O R
ESTEEM, CAN BECOME AN ADVERB WHEN AFFIXED WITH "-
LY , " AS IN " F R I E N D LY , " MEANING SHOWING K I N D LY
INTEREST AND GOODWILL. WHEN AFFIXED WITH "UN-," THE
W O R D B E C O M E S " U N F R I E N D LY , " M E A N I N G U N FAV O RA B L E O R
U N S Y M PAT H E T I C . O T H E R E X A M P L E S O F A F F I X E S I N C LU D E " -
OR," "-ER," "-FUL," "-ABLE," AND "-IBLE."
Who is an author?

● An author is a person who creates or ● Authors bring their individual perspectives and
viewpoints to their work, shaping how they interpret
produces written, spoken, or visual works. and represent the world around them.
● The term "author" is commonly
● Authors have the potential to influence and
associated with writers of books, articles, inspire others through their work. They can spark
poems, and essays, but it also applies to conversations, challenge perceptions, evoke
emotions, and prompt reflection.
creators of speeches, scripts, screenplays,
artwork, music, and other forms of ● Authors use language, imagery, symbolism, and
creative expression. storytelling techniques to engage audiences, convey
messages, evoke emotions, and spark thought.
● Authors bring creativity, expression, Through their creations, authors leave a lasting
perspective, and communication skills to impact on culture, society, and the human
experience.
their work.