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Reading – Context Clues

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

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 sluggish traffic barely moved for over an hour."
"The chef used condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise."
"A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides."
"Unlike his cluttered desk, hers was completely empty and spotless."

2 Context Clues in a Story

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

The expedition team set out at dawn to cross the frozen tundra. Everyone was drained after hours of pulling heavy sleds through the snow. Just before sunset, they spotted a dazzling display of colorful lights dancing across the night sky.

Word	I think it means…	My clue was…
expedition
drained
dazzling

3 Replace with a Synonym

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

1. The puppy was curious, sniffing every new object in the yard.

A uninterested
B inquisitive
C afraid

2. The teacher gave concise directions so no one would be confused.

A confusing
B clear
C loud

3. We need to preserve the old photographs so they don't fade.

A protect
B destroy
C sell

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: sturdy (meaning: strong and well-built)

Word: peculiar (meaning: strange or unusual)

Word: cheerful (meaning: happy)

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 5.

Topic words: beach, shell, wave, pattern

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.