Context clues include what 4 things?
Context clues are hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word. These clues can take several forms within the text and are often used to help the reader understand the meaning of the word without having to look it up. Context clues generally include four main types:
1. Definition Clues: The author explicitly defines the word in the sentence or in the following sentence, making it clear what the word means. Example: "Agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces, can make it difficult for individuals to leave their homes."
2. Synonym Clues: The author includes a synonym to help readers infer the meaning of the word. Synonyms give a sense of the word by association. Example: "He was elated, as happy as a child with a new toy, about the news."
3. Antonym Clues: The author uses words that have the opposite meaning as a way to explain the term. By understanding what a word is not, the reader can infer what it is. Example: "Unlike her gregarious brother, who was always the life of the party, Jane was diffident and reserved."
4. Example Clues: The author provides examples to give readers clues about the meaning. These examples help to illustrate and clarify the word. Example: "Feline creatures, such as lions, tigers, and domestic cats, share certain characteristics."
Besides these, authors may also use other types of context clues, such as inference clues (where the reader infers the meaning from the general context of the passage), comparison or contrast clues, and general knowledge or logic clues. The ultimate goal is to enable the reader to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words without disrupting the flow of reading.