Context Clues — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A cartographer helps travelers find their way.
Corrected: A cartographer, or mapmaker, helps travelers find their way.
Adding the definition 'or mapmaker' gives a clear meaning clue for the new word.
2. Fix the sentence:
The archaeologist studies old things from long ago.
Corrected: The archaeologist, a scientist who studies ancient objects, works at the dig.
The phrase after the word tells readers exactly what an archaeologist is.
3. Fix the sentence:
We saw a nocturnal animal in the dark forest at night.
Corrected: We saw a nocturnal animal, one that is active at night, in the dark forest.
The added phrase defines 'nocturnal' clearly using a direct explanation.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A cartographer, or a mapmaker, draws maps of cities.
The word 'or' introduces a definition that renames cartographer.
2. An herbivore is an animal that eats only plants.
Using 'an' starts the definition that explains what an herbivore is.
3. The meteorologist, a person who studies weather, predicts rain.
The definition clue tells us the meteorologist works with weather topics.
4. A lexicon, which means a dictionary, lists word meanings.
The definition clue inside the sentence points to the word dictionary.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. Grade 3 readers can use a definition inside a sentence as a context clue.
True False
Writers often place a definition right after a hard word to help the reader.
2. A definition clue never uses commas around the meaning.
True False
Commas frequently set off a definition phrase that explains a new word.
3. The phrase 'or a mapmaker' can define the word cartographer for Grade 3 readers.
True False
'Or a mapmaker' renames cartographer, giving a direct definition clue.