Context Clues Worksheet

Help Section: Types of Context Clues

  1. Definition Clues: The word is defined directly in the sentence.
  2. Synonym Clues: A synonym for the word is provided nearby.
  3. Antonym Clues: An antonym or contrasting idea helps clarify the word’s meaning.
  4. Example Clues: Examples that illustrate the word are included in the text.
  5. Inference Clues: Clues that suggest meaning based on the overall context.

Vocabulary Words and Context

1. Barrage (Example Clue)
“The cannonading has got the wind up in young Raleigh, sir,” said the sergeant. Captain Mitty looked up at him through tousled hair. “The box barrage is closing in,” said the sergeant."
2. Insinuatingly (Inference Clue)
“You are a crack shot with any sort of firearms, I believe?” said the District Attorney, insinuatingly. “Objection!” shouted Mitty’s attorney."
3. Pandemonium (Definition Clue)
“Pandemonium broke loose in the courtroom. A woman’s scream rose above the bedlam and suddenly a lovely, dark-haired girl was in Walter Mitty’s arms."
4. Disdainful (Example Clue)
“She gave him a disdainful look, as if he were a mere child making a foolish mistake. 'I don’t like to go more than forty.'"
5. Haggard (Synonym Clue)
“Dr. Renshaw came out. He looked distraught and haggard. 'Hello, Mitty,' he said. 'We’re having the devil’s own time with McMillan, the millionaire banker and close personal friend of Roosevelt.'"
6. Scrutinized (Inference Clue)
“Walter Mitty removed his gloves slowly and scrutinized the documents, searching for any sign of irregularity or mistake."
7. Chivalry (Example Clue)
“He remembered the tales of chivalry from his youth, where knights fought for honor and glory. 'I’ll fly alone,' he said wearily."
8. Egotistical (Example Clue)
“His egotistical nature often led him to brag about his accomplishments, overshadowing others. 'Things close in,' said Walter Mitty vaguely."
9. Sublime (Definition Clue)
“The view was sublime, a breathtaking panorama that made him forget his worries for a moment. 'What is it that I am sometimes thinking?'"
10. Facade (Inference/Antonym Clue)
“Behind the facade of calm, he felt the turmoil brewing inside him, ready to explode. 'Couldn’t you have put them on in the store?'"

Instructions

  1. Read each excerpt carefully.
  2. Use the context clues to infer the meaning of each vocabulary word.
  3. Write your definition of each word based on the context provided.