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Reading – Context Clues

Reading · Level 4 · CCSS: L.4.4, RI.4.4 · Worksheet 3 of 5 · Practice Set 10

Level 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practice SetsSet 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5 Set 6 Set 7 Set 8 Set 9 Set 10

1 Types of Context Clues

🔑 There are different ways authors help you figure out unknown words. Read each example and identify the clue type.

Definition Clue: The author tells you what the word means. "A habitat is a place where an animal lives."

Example Clue: The author gives examples. "She ate nutritious foods like apples, carrots, and nuts."

Opposite Clue: The author uses an opposite. "Unlike his timid sister, Jake was very brave."

Sentence	Clue Type	Word Meaning
"The porous sponge soaked up every drop of spilled juice."
"He researched herbivores such as deer, rabbits, and cows."
"A archipelago is a group of many islands close together."
"Unlike her frugal brother, Mia spent all her allowance in one day."

2 Context Clues in a Story

📖 Read the story. Use context clues to figure out the meaning of each underlined word.

The odyssey across the open sea lasted nearly a month for the small crew. Storms left them drained and soaked, with barely any dry clothing left. When land finally appeared, everyone cheered at the spectacular cliffs rising from the water.

Word	I think it means…	My clue was…
odyssey
drained
spectacular

3 Replace with a Synonym

🔄 Use context clues to choose the best synonym for the bold word.

1. The instructions were ambiguous, leaving everyone unsure what to do.

A unclear
B obvious
C simple

2. The champion remained humble even after winning the tournament.

A modest
B arrogant
C angry

3. Scientists needed to document every step of the experiment.

A forget
B record
C hide

4 Create a Context Clue Sentence

✍️ Write a sentence for each word that gives a reader clues about what it means. Don't use the definition directly!

Word: candid (meaning: honest and direct)

Word: elusive (meaning: hard to find or catch)

Word: wholesome (meaning: healthy and good)

5 SBA Practice: Two-Part Evidence Question

On the state test, you must support your answers with evidence from the text. Practice finding the BEST evidence.

Part A: What does the word or phrase mean as used in this text?

Part B: Which sentence or phrase from the text provides the STRONGEST evidence for your answer to Part A? Copy it here:

Part C: Explain how this evidence supports your answer. Use complete sentences.

+ Bonus Reading Practice

Use this short practice to extend Set 10.

Topic words: science lab, model, test, result

1. Write one sentence using two of the words above.

2. What detail would you expect to find in a passage about this topic?

3. Write one inference a reader could make from a text about this topic.