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Reading – Context Clues

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

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 cramped closet barely had room for one more box."
"He studied invertebrates such as worms, snails, and insects."
"A drought is a long period of time with very little rain."
"Unlike her tidy sister, Ruby left clothes all over her room."

2 Context Clues in a Story

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

The ascent up the mountain trail grew steeper with every step. Hikers felt fatigued by the time they reached the halfway point, their legs aching from the climb. At the summit, they were rewarded with a breathtaking view of valleys stretching for miles below.

Word	I think it means…	My clue was…
ascent
fatigued
breathtaking

3 Replace with a Synonym

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

1. The scientist made a remarkable discovery that surprised everyone.

A ordinary
B amazing
C boring

2. The old bridge looked unstable and swayed with every gust of wind.

A shaky
B solid
C colorful

3. The librarian helped us locate the book we needed.

A lose
B find
C return

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: abrupt (meaning: sudden)

Word: graceful (meaning: smooth and elegant)

Word: ancient (meaning: very old)

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 4.

Topic words: museum, map, guide, fact

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.