Context clues are hints found in a sentence or paragraph that help readers figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words. Authors often include clues so readers can understand new vocabulary without needing a dictionary.
When you see a word you don’t know, look around the sentence for hints. The clue might be a definition, synonym, or example.
Writers provide context clues in different ways. Knowing the types of clues can make it easier to understand new words while reading.
Pay attention to signal words like such as, or, unlike, and which means. They often introduce context clues.
Context clues help readers understand the text better, improve vocabulary, and become more independent learners. They allow readers to figure out meanings without stopping to look up every word.
Good readers use context clues automatically to keep their reading smooth and meaningful.
When you encounter an unknown word, slow down and use the surrounding text to guess its meaning before checking a dictionary.
If your guess does not make sense, reread the sentence or look for more clues in the next sentence.
The best way to get better at using context clues is to practice often while reading books, articles, and stories.
Keep a notebook of new words you learn. Write the sentence, the context clue, and the meaning you discovered.