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Using Context Clues and Illustrations to Find Meaning

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Basics on the topic Using Context Clues and Illustrations to Find Meaning

Join Pip and Koko and learn how to use context clues and illustrations to find the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Transcript Using Context Clues and Illustrations to Find Meaning

"P-P-Pip did you hear that!?" "Oh Koko, don't worry, it was just a bunny going to sleep in its burrow under the ground!" "What's a burrow?" Let's find out what Pip means by using context clues and illustrations to find meaning. Context clues are hints in a sentence that we can find to help us understand the meaning of words we don’t know. We can also use pictures, or illustrations, to help us. Let's find the meaning of the word forest in this sentence. It says, 'We need a map to find our way in the forest.' In order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Follow along while we read it again! We need a map to find our way in the forest.' In the illustration, we see trees and a few different trails. You might know that a map is a drawing of a place that shows what's there, so underline map. Now, think, what does forest mean? Is it land covered with a lot of trees or is it a road? A forest is land covered with a lot of trees. Now let's use context clues and the illustration to find the meaning of the word poured. The rain poured down on the cold bear cubs.' Remember, in order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Follow along while we read it again! The rain poured down on the cold bear cubs. What does the illustration show? We see lots of rain and the bear cubs are wet. You probably know that if you stay out in the rain you'll get wet and cold, so underline rain. Now, think, what does poured mean? Does it mean the rain lightly drizzled on them or fell heavily on them? Poured means that the rain fell heavily on them. Now that we've practised using context clues, let's see what burrow means! The bunny goes into its burrow under the ground.' Remember, in order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Follow along while we read it again! The bunny goes into its burrow under the ground.' In the illustration, we see a bunny near a hole. You might have seen a bunny go into a hole under the ground, so underline under the ground. Now, think, what does burrow mean? Does it mean where bunnies live or a game bunnies play? A burrow is where bunnies live! Before we get back to the campfire, let's remember! Context clues are hints in a sentence that we can find to help us understand the meaning of words we don’t know. In order to use context clues: stop and reread the sentence and underline the words you know. Then, using what you know, think about the meaning of the unfamiliar word. "Phew! I'm glad it was just a bunny!" "But, what do you think they do in their burrow?"

Using Context Clues and Illustrations to Find Meaning exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learnt? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Using Context Clues and Illustrations to Find Meaning.
  • Which of the statements about context clues are true?

    Hints

    How are context clues meant to help you?

    There are 2 correct answers.

    Solution

    Context clues are hints in a sentence that we can find to help understand the meaning of words we don’t know.

    The correct answers are:

    • Context clues help you figure out tricky words.
    • Context clues give hints about meaning.
  • What does scorching mean?

    Hints

    Look at the clue words sun and heat.

    Think about the context of the sentence, if you are at the beach and it is sunny, how will it feel?

    Solution

    The correct answer is: Scorching means extremely hot.

  • What do 'towered' and 'perched' mean?

    Hints

    Use the clue word enormous to help work out what towered means.

    Use the illustrations to help work out what perched means. What is Pip doing?

    Solution
    • The meaning of towered is reaching very tall.
    • The meaning of perched is sat.
  • Find the context clues.

    Hints

    In the first sentence, what hint word can you highlight that helps to tell you the meaning of the word soared?

    In the second sentence, what hint word can you highlight that help to tells you the meaning of the word trudged?

    In the third sentence, what hint word can you highlight that helps to tell you the meaning of the word swayed?

    Solution

    1. The clue word for soared is fly high.

    2. The clue word for trudged is walking slowly.

    3. The clue word for swayed is swinging.

  • What is the meaning of the word 'poured?'

    Hints

    The clue word in the sentence is rain.

    Look at the clue word rain and the illustration. How could the rain be coming down?

    Solution

    The correct answer is:

    Poured means when rain falls heavily from the sky.

  • Match the words with their context clues.

    Hints

    Think about how a squirrel moves when it climbs or is scurrying. Does it move very quickly or very slowly?

    Pay attention to words that describe the squirrel's tail.

    If the paws are gripping what might they be doing? The paws are like the squirrels' hands.

    Solution

    The correct answers are:

    • scurrying - darting about quickly and quietly
    • twitched - a sudden, brief jerk or movement
    • gripped - holding onto something tightly
    • cosy - warm, comfy and safe