HSPT Verbal Skills

HSPT Verbal Skills focuses on enhancing vocabulary, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning skills essential for success on the HSPT.

Vocabulary BuildingReading ComprehensionVerbal Reasoning
Context Clues and Word MeaningsCritical Reading and InferenceAnalogies and Word Relationships
Communicating EffectivelyUnderstanding Instructions and DirectionsSolving Word Problems
Process of EliminationTime Management
Vocabulary BuildingReading Comprehensio...Verbal ReasoningContext Clues and Wo...Critical Reading and...Analogies and Word R...Communicating Effect...Understanding Instru...Solving Word Problem...Process of Eliminati...Time Management
Advanced Topics

Context Clues and Word Meanings

Decoding Words Using Context

Sometimes, you’ll see words you don’t know. Context clues are hints in the sentence or surrounding text that help you guess the meaning without a dictionary.

Types of Context Clues

  • Definition: The meaning is given right there.
  • Synonym/Antonym: Similar or opposite words offer a clue.
  • Example/Explanation: The sentence explains or gives examples.

How to Use Them

Read the whole sentence and look for words or phrases that help you figure it out. Ask, “What else is this sentence telling me?”

Beyond the Test

Using context clues helps you learn new words from books, news, or conversations—no dictionary needed!

Examples

  • In 'The arid desert was dry and hot,' you can guess 'arid' means 'dry.'

  • 'She felt elated, or very happy, after winning,' clues you in that 'elated' means 'very happy.'

In a Nutshell

Context clues help you figure out unfamiliar words using surrounding information.

Key Terms

Context Clue
A hint in the text that helps you understand an unfamiliar word.
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Critical Reading and Inference