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Reading – Context Clues

Reading · Level 4 · CCSS: L.4.4, RI.4.4 · Worksheet 3 of 5 · Practice Set 6

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 dense fog made it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead."
"She practiced percussion instruments like drums, xylophones, and cymbals."
"A tributary is a smaller river that flows into a larger one."
"Unlike his lively classmates, Sam sat quietly reading in the corner."

2 Context Clues in a Story

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

The descent into the cave grew darker with every step down the stone stairs. Explorers felt uneasy as their flashlights flickered against the damp walls. When they reached the bottom, they found a magnificent cavern filled with sparkling crystals.

Word	I think it means…	My clue was…
descent
uneasy
magnificent

3 Replace with a Synonym

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

1. The coach was patient, calmly explaining the play again and again.

A calm
B angry
C confused

2. The old machine made a peculiar humming sound nobody could explain.

A ordinary
B strange
C quiet

3. Please assemble the model airplane using the instructions.

A build
B break
C throw

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: reluctant (meaning: unwilling)

Word: vivid (meaning: bright and clear)

Word: spacious (meaning: having a lot of room)

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 6.

Topic words: school, poster, teacher, idea

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.