Using Sentences to Find the Meaning of Words Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.3.4.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

As an up and coming reader, we will often come across words that are new to us. We can run to a dictionary or use what is right in front of us. This is called the process of word discovery. This can be a very intimidating collective for new readers, but the method you can use is very simple. Just put a blank in the place of the word that you aren't sure of. This great collection of worksheets will do just that. Trust your instincts and plow through all the worksheets to master this skill.

Find the Meaning Worksheets To Print:

Raking Leaves – What is the meaning of the underlined word?

Fill in the Blank – Use the word bank to complete each sentence.

Are you ready for some football? – We define words that are contained in set sentences.

Animal Facts – A little matching activity always helps build some confidence.

Library Fun – More word bank work for you.

Learn Your Locations! – Fill in the blanks in each sentence using the word bank.

Fun at the Mall – Read the paragraph and answer the questions.

Afternoon Reading – Kendra came across some words that she didn't know when she was reading. Help her figure them out!

Matching Meanings – Match the correct meaning with the underlined word in each sentence.

Fun in the Snow – Read the paragraph. Find and circle each bold word below. Then circle the correct meaning of each word.

A Day at the Zoo – Sam's class takes a trip to the county zoo. The tour guides educated the class at every enclosure.

Lakefront Fun – Read the paragraph. Then find and circle in the story each bolded word below. Then circle the correct meaning for each word below.

Clowning Around – Write the meaning on the line that the underlined word defines. Color each balloon as it is used.

Matching Words with Definitions – Match the underlined words with the correct definitions.

Batter Up! – Baseball is John's favorite sport. Let's see what he is up to.

What are Sentence Level Context Clues?


Context clues refer to the hints given by writers to easily decode the meaning of a word or phrase. Simple and direct words do not require any context clues. They are only used for difficult and complex words and phrases. The correct use of context clues helps increase the readers' vocabulary and reading comprehension. Context clues are divided into five main types which are discussed below.


Definition Clues


Also known as explanation clues, definition clues provide readers with proper definitions of unfamiliar words or phrases. Below are a few examples of definition clues in sentences.

Chicago is a city in the USA which is famous for its deep dish pizza.
Chemistry is the study of chemicals and their reactions.
Krait, a deadly kind of snake, is found in jungles of the Indian subcontinent.


Synonym Clues


You may also call them restatement clues. They can be identified when the same thing is said twice to make it clear. First, it is stated using difficult words and then the writer uses simple words to provide hints. For example:

His inquisitiveness or curiosity about the upcoming TV show has increased.
This site is picturesque - the sceneries are beautiful.


Antonym Clues


Antonym clues or contrast clues are used to clarify a meaning using opposite words and phrases. The examples below show how an antonym clue is used in sentences.

She is outgoing but her sister is shy.
This restaurant has a diverse menu, while the other one has limited items.


General Context Clues


Inference clue is an alternate word for general context clue. To identify these clues, readers are required to look beyond the sentence because the description is not immediately given. The meaning is usually inferred from the description. For example:

Readers were shocked at the author's diatribe. They had not expected harsh words against the minorities.

In the example above, diatribe is the difficult word, but it can be decoded by reading other words and phrases around it. Harsh words suggest that the author was being unethical and offensive.


Punctuation Clues


Writers also use the support of punctuations and fonts to help their readers understand the words' meanings. Look out for quotation marks, brackets, dashes, and italic font to identify punctuation clues. For example:

Biology, the study of life and living organism, is mandatory for medical students.
Biology (the study of living organisms) is mandatory for medical students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Ready For Football Preview