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Reading – Context Clues

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

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 parched field hadn't seen rain in weeks and the ground had cracked."
"She collected amphibians like frogs, toads, and salamanders for her project."
"A glacier is a huge, slow-moving mass of ice."
"Unlike his meek teammate, the captain shouted instructions loudly."

2 Context Clues in a Story

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

The excavation site was buzzing with activity as archaeologists dug carefully through the dirt. They found the work tedious because each layer of soil had to be brushed away slowly by hand. Finally, someone uncovered a pristine clay pot that looked as clean as the day it was made.

Word	I think it means…	My clue was…
excavation
tedious
pristine

3 Replace with a Synonym

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

1. The detective was observant, noticing details that everyone else missed.

A careless
B watchful
C tired

2. The crowd grew restless while waiting for the concert to begin.

A impatient
B sleepy
C cheerful

3. Scientists analyze data carefully before drawing conclusions.

A ignore
B examine
C throw away

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: cautious (meaning: careful)

Word: vast (meaning: very large in area)

Word: gloomy (meaning: dark and sad)

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 3.

Topic words: garden, seed, leaf, plan

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.