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 slender tree trunk was wide and thick.
Corrected: The slender tree trunk was thin and narrow.
The corrected sentence is: "The slender tree trunk was thin and narrow." The error was context contradicts meaning: the original sentence "The slender tree trunk was wide and thick." needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
She was furious, or calm, when her project was ruined.
Corrected: She was furious, or very angry, when her project was ruined.
The corrected sentence is: "She was furious, or very angry, when her project was ruined." The error was wrong synonym clue: the original sentence "She was furious, or calm, when her project was ruined." needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
Habitats, such as deserts and forests, are types of food that animals eat.
Corrected: Habitats, such as deserts and forests, are types of places where animals live.
The corrected sentence is: "Habitats, such as deserts and forests, are types of places where animals live." The error was wrong definition with example clue: the original sentence "Habitats, such as deserts and forests, are types of food that animals eat." needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The phrase "which means" in a sentence signals a definition clue.
The phrase "which means" directly tells the reader that the word's definition is about to follow, making it a definition clue.
2. In "The torrential rain flooded every street," torrential means very heavy .
The sentence says the rain "flooded every street," which tells you it was extremely heavy, so torrential means very heavy rainfall.
3. When a writer uses "in other words," the next phrase will restate the meaning.
The phrase "in other words" tells the reader that the same idea is about to be said again in a simpler way, so the next phrase will restate the meaning.
4. A synonym clue gives a word with a similar meaning as the unknown word.
Synonyms are words that mean the same thing, so a synonym clue places a word with a similar meaning near the unknown word to help you understand it.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name two signal words or phrases that tell you a definition clue is coming.
Sample answer: Two signal phrases for definition clues are "which means" and "in other words," because they tell the reader that the meaning of the unknown word will follow.
A good answer includes: Two signal phrases for definition clues are "which means" and "in other words," because they tell the reader that the meaning of the unknown word will follow.
2. In the sentence "The tranquil lake was calm and still, unlike the roaring river," what two types of context clues help you understand tranquil?
Sample answer: A synonym clue ("calm and still") and an antonym clue ("unlike the roaring river") both help show that tranquil means peaceful and quiet.
A good answer includes: A synonym clue ("calm and still") and an antonym clue ("unlike the roaring river") both help show that tranquil means peaceful and quiet.