ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning

ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning focuses on developing critical reading and verbal skills necessary for success in the ISEE exam.

SynonymsSentence CompletionContext Clues
AnalogiesWord Roots, Prefixes, and SuffixesNuanced Word Choice
Building Vocabulary DailyUnderstanding Instructions and DirectionsExpressing Ideas Clearly
Elimination MethodReading for CluesTime Management
SynonymsSentence CompletionContext CluesAnalogiesWord Roots, Prefixes...Nuanced Word ChoiceBuilding Vocabulary ...Understanding Instru...Expressing Ideas Cle...Elimination MethodReading for CluesTime Management
Basic Concepts

Context Clues

Using Clues to Figure Out Unknown Words

Sometimes you'll see a word in a sentence that you don't know. Context clues are hints in the sentence that help you guess what that word means.

Types of Context Clues

  • Definition Clues: The meaning is explained in the sentence.
  • Synonym/Antonym Clues: Other words with similar or opposite meanings give you a hint.
  • Example Clues: Examples in the sentence help explain the word.

Real-World Use

When you read books, news, or even instructions, you often come across words you don't know. Using context clues helps you understand without always needing a dictionary.

Tip

Practice by guessing the meaning of a new word before looking it up!

Examples

  • The arid desert had very little water. (Clue: desert, little water = arid means dry)

  • She felt elated, or extremely happy, after winning the race.

In a Nutshell

Context clues help you guess the meaning of unknown words using surrounding information.

Next
Analogies