ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension

ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension focuses on developing critical reading skills through diverse texts and comprehension strategies.

Understanding Main Ideas and DetailsMaking Inferences and Drawing ConclusionsUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneIdentifying Organizational StructureEvaluating Arguments and Evidence
Applying Critical Reading to Everyday LifeEffective Note-Taking for ReadingReading for Research and Projects
Previewing the PassageProcess of Elimination
Understanding Main I...Making Inferences an...Understanding Vocabu...Analyzing Author’s P...Identifying Organiza...Evaluating Arguments...Applying Critical Re...Effective Note-Takin...Reading for Research...Previewing the Passa...Process of Eliminati...
Basic Concepts

Understanding Vocabulary in Context

Decoding Unfamiliar Words

When you come across a word you don’t know, you can often figure out its meaning by looking at the words and sentences around it. This is called using context clues.

Types of Context Clues

  • Definition Clues: Sometimes the meaning is given right after the word.
  • Synonym Clues: A similar word is used nearby.
  • Antonym Clues: A word with the opposite meaning helps you guess.
  • Example Clues: Examples make the meaning clear.

Steps to Use Context Clues

  1. Read the whole sentence.
  2. Look for clues in the words before and after.
  3. Think about what word would make sense.

Why This Matters

Understanding words in context helps you make sense of the entire passage and answer questions more easily.

Examples

  • The sentence says, 'The arid desert, which is very dry, gets little rain.' You learn 'arid' means 'dry.'

  • 'Unlike his gregarious friend, who loved parties, Sam preferred to read alone.' You understand 'gregarious' means 'sociable.'

In a Nutshell

Use clues in the passage to figure out what tricky words mean.

Next
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and Tone