Context Clues — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The arid, or very wet, desert gets little rain each year.
Corrected: The arid, or very dry, desert gets little rain each year.
The corrected sentence is: "The arid, or very dry, desert gets little rain each year.". The original sentence "The arid, or very wet, desert gets little rain each year." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
She felt jubilant, meaning sad, after winning the spelling bee.
Corrected: She felt jubilant, meaning very happy, after winning the spelling bee.
The corrected sentence is: "She felt jubilant, meaning very happy, after winning the spelling bee.". The original sentence "She felt jubilant, meaning sad, after winning the spelling bee." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
The fragile vase was strong and hard to break.
Corrected: The fragile vase was delicate and easy to break.
The corrected sentence is: "The fragile vase was delicate and easy to break.". The original sentence "The fragile vase was strong and hard to break." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A context clue is information near a word that helps you figure out its meaning .
Context clues provide information about the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
2. When a sentence says "or" after a hard word, it often gives a synonym .
The word "or" often introduces a synonym clue — a word with a similar meaning.
3. The word "means" in a sentence signals a definition clue.
Signal words like "means" or "is defined as" introduce definition clues.
4. Reading the words around an unknown word can help you understand it.
The surrounding words and sentences provide context that reveals a word's meaning.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What is a context clue, and why is it useful?
Sample answer: A context clue is a hint in the surrounding text that helps a reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word without using a dictionary.
Context clues are valuable reading strategies that promote vocabulary development and reading fluency.
2. In the sentence "The benevolent king was kind to everyone," what clue helps you understand benevolent?
Sample answer: The phrase "was kind to everyone" is a synonym clue that shows benevolent means kind or generous.
Identifying the type of context clue helps readers confirm the word's meaning.