WHAT ARE CONTEXT CLUES?

Text book writers usually know when they must use a word that will be new to their student readers. So they often include other words or phrases to help with the understanding of the new word. These words or phrases are referred to as context clues. They are built into the sentences around the difficult word. If you become more aware of the words around the difficult words you encounter in your reading, you will save your self many trips to the dictionary. You will be able to make logical guesses about the meanings of many words.
Context Clues are hints that the author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word. The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in a preceding sentence. Because most of your vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that you be able to recognize and take advantage of context clues. Types of context clues. There are at least four kinds of context clues that are quite common. Synonym A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence. My opponent's argument is fallacious, misleading plain wrong.

Antonym

A word or group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of an unknown term. Although some men are loquacious, others hardly talk at all.

Explanation

The unknown word is explained within the sentence or in a sentence immediately preceding. The patient is so somnolent that she requires medication to help her stay awake for more than a short time.

Example

Specific examples are used to define the term. Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are governed by predictable laws.