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Mr. Topel Information Literacy |
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Common Context Clues CLUE #1: "LOOK BOTH WAYS" Always remember that context clues come both before and after the unknown vocabulary word. Too many students only read up to the word and fail to look at what comes next! Clue #2: "the link" An unfamiliar word is often linked to a familiar word, usually through the use of a phrase bracketed by commas. The congressman worried about his constituents, his voters, back home. Clue #3: "the grocery list" Sometimes you can determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word by looking at the examples that accompany it. She was a collector of baseball memorabilia, frequently purchasing rare trading cards, autographed balls and signed uniforms. Clue #4: "the same" Words are frequently used with synonyms that help to define them. Look for signal words such as: § Also § And § Besides § Furthermore § In addition The stranger appeared gaunt and very thin for such a young man. Rudeness, in addition to surliness, will not be tolerated. Clue #5: "the opposite" Conversely, an unfamiliar word can be linked with an opposite definition. Watch carefully for signal words such as: § Although § But § Conversely § On the contrary § Rather than His voice was pleasant and clear, not guttural at all. Rather than promote ultraism, she advocated conservative viewpoints.
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