Effectively Using Context Clues to Improve Reading Comprehension

Effectively Using Context Clues to Improve Reading Comprehension

Thoroughly understanding a text is vital to English Language Arts success. Good readers use context clues to determine the meaning of words and phrases. Context clues are hints in the writing that help the reader understand what is being said (Mauliza, Samad, & Erdiana, 2019). In addition, context clues are key in figuring out the author’s purpose for writing. There are several strategies effective readers can use to help them comprehend a text. The two selected strategies, definition or explanation, and synonym, are critical because they give the reader a greater understanding of vocabulary.

Effective Strategy One: Definition or Explanation

The definition refers to the literal meaning of a word, while the explanation gives more detail about the word. When readers come across an unfamiliar word, they can look up the definition to understand its meaning (İlter, 2019). Some texts provide definitions and explanations within the text or below the reading selection; having this information readily available aids in the reader’s understanding. They are important because they help with both the meaning of words and the author’s purpose. Readers can easily get bogged down when they encounter an unfamiliar word, which can interrupt their reading comprehension. By readily available definitions or explanations, the reader can quickly find the word’s meaning and continue with the text.

Effective Strategy Two: Synonym

A synonym is a word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Synonyms can be helpful when determining the meaning of a word because they give the reader a frame of reference (İlter, 2019). When coming across an unfamiliar word, the reader can look for a word with a similar meaning and use that to help them understand what is being said. It is important to note that synonyms can also have different connotations. For  example, the word “small” could be replaced with the word “little.” While they both have a similar meaning, they carry different implications. Synonyms are important because they help readers understand the text’s vocabulary to determine the author’s purpose.

The Least Effective Strategy

The least effective strategy, in my opinion, is an example. An example is a piece of evidence or an instance used to illustrate a point (Mauliza, Samad & Erdiana, 2019). Examples can help understand the meaning of a word or phrase, but they are not always readily available. The reader would have to go back and reread the text or do additional research. This can be time-consuming and interrupt the flow of reading. Additionally, examples are not always accurate. The author could provide an example that does not represent what they are trying to say. In case of difficult words, it is always best to look up the definition or find a synonym. Unfamiliar words can be difficult to understand, and by having a synonym, the reader can quickly figure out the meaning of the word.

Conclusion

Context clues are an important part of reading comprehension. Using strategies such as definitions and synonyms, readers can better understand a text and quicken their pace. Although an example can be helpful, it is not always accurate or available. The most effective readers use various strategies to determine the meaning of words and phrases. Synonyms provide similar meanings to words, which can help in determining the author’s purpose. They are also able to understand the author’s purpose for writing. Context clues are an important tool that should be used when reading any text.

References

İlter, İ. (2019). The efficacy of context clue strategy instruction on middle grades students’ vocabulary development. Rmle Online, 42(1), 1-15.

Mauliza, R., Samad, I. A., & Erdiana, N. (2019). The Implementation of Context Clues Strategy in Infering the Meaning of Unknown Vocabulary to Improve Reading Skill. Research in English and Education Journal, 4(2), 80-88.

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Objective

After studying the topic of vocabulary in context, the student will be able to analyze and evaluate different strategies on context clues. (20 points)

Effectively Using Context Clues to Improve Reading Comprehension

Instructions
After studying the strategies listed below, choose two (2) strategies you considered effective and one (1) strategy you considered least effective. Then, complete the following.

Strategies:

Definition or Explanation
Synonym
Example
Antonym/Contrast
Appositives
Write an introductory paragraph indicating the purpose of your composition. At least 3 sentences.
Write a 5-sentence paragraph per effective strategy (2 paragraphs) in which you explain how each strategy works and why you chose them.
Write a 5-sentence paragraph in which you evaluate the strategy you considered the least effective in your point of view.
Write a 3 to 5 sentence conclusion bringing your composition to an end.
Your finished work will have 5 body paragraphs in essay format.
Submit your work on a WORD document using Times New Roman 12 font