SSAT Elementary Level Verbal

A comprehensive introduction to verbal reasoning skills for young learners preparing for the SSAT Elementary Level.

Advanced Topics

Context Clues

What Are Context Clues?

Context clues are hints found in a sentence or paragraph that help you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Types of Context Clues

  • Definition Clues: The meaning is explained right after the word.
  • Example Clues: Examples are given to help you understand.
  • Contrast Clues: The sentence shows a difference.

How to Use Context Clues

When you see a word you don’t know, look at the words and sentences around it. Ask yourself, “What makes sense here?”

Real-World Use

Using context clues is like being a word detective. You can figure out the meaning of words in books, movies, and even conversations!

Examples

  • The arid desert was dry and had very little water.

  • She was elated, or very happy, after winning the game.

In a Nutshell

Context clues help you guess what new words mean by looking at surrounding words.

Key Terms

Context Clues
Hints in surrounding text that help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.