Punctuation Clues Context Clues Summary There are several ways to figure out words you don't know,

such as looking them up in a dictionary or figuring them out using word parts. Another, possibly more efficient way to figure out unfamiliar words is to use the context. Using context means to figure out what words mean by how they are used in the sentence or paragraph where they appear. There are several different context clues you can use to help you figure out unfamiliar words. Authors often use punctuation clues to help the reader. Punctuation clues might include commas, dashes, or parentheses. Examples:

Mary retained, kept, the deed to her mother's house. I wonder if that fruit is edible, able to be eaten. The company is going through many transitionschanges. Children are often loquaciousvery talkativeand active. Bigamymarriage to two spouses at the same timeis not legal in the United States.

Authors also use bold and/or italics to make a reader aware of an important term. Often the definition of the word in bold or italics follows. Examples:

The computer is a machine that accepts input, processes data, stores information, and produces output. Archaeology is the scientific study of prehistoric cultures by excavation of their remains.

Authors may use word clues such as synonymswords with almost the same meaningor antonymswords opposite in meaningnear the unfamiliar term. Examples:

Reducing cholesterol has a number of beneficial results. One positive outcome is reducing the risk of heart disease. (synonym clue) I despise liver, but I adore steak. (antonym clue)

In addition to the above context clues, authors will sometimes define important terms in the margins of text. Example: Archaeologythe scientific study prehistoric cultures by excavation of their remains Exercise 2: Matching Directions: Read the following paragraphs. Use the punctuation clues provided to define the underlined terms. In order to 1.__________, or reduce, stress, it is 2.__________, important, and necessary to exercise frequently. Over the past 3.__________ (i.e. ten years) doctors have often 4.__________, or scolded, patients for not exercising enough. The body could become weak, damaged, and 5.__________over Archaeologists look for many clues when trying to figure out the past. Archaeology has long been embraced as a key to unlocking the mysteries and secrets of past civilizations.

time if one neglects to partake in some form of exercise. But often one wonders where to begin. It is difficult to overcome a 6._________(i.e. lazy) lifestyle, but one must start somewhere. It might be best to begin with 7.__________, or slight, changes. Start with a ten-minute walk through your neighborhood every other day. Work up to a thirty-minute daily walk. Soon you will find yourself 8.__________ (i.e. full of energy). Dont feel 9.__________, or scorn, for yourself for small violations, such as missing one day here and there. You will soon 10.__________,or exceed, your expectations and find yourself looking forward to your daily exercise. 1. Using the pulldown boxes, match each item on the left to the corresponding item at right. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2. Using the pulldown boxes, match each item on the left to the corresponding item at right. blank 1 blank 2 blank 3 blank 4 blank 4 A. impaired B. castigated C. decade D. vital E. alleviate

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

blank 6 blank 7 blank 8 blank 9 blank 10

A. contempt B. surpass C. lethargic D. subtle E. energized

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-Blank Directions: Read the following sentences and choose the term that best fits. Use the punctuation clues provided to help you. genealogy accumulate significant external beneficiary malpractice nocturnal psyche 1. Our trip was a 2. 3. 4. inundated consequences quixotic leisurely hypothetically subdue edible repress fake intensity bipartisan Spartan

one; we took our time. , essential, and support (i.e.

The changes in the program were important. The president is always hoping for support from two parties).

I had to sue my doctor for , professional misconduct, because he operated on my good arm instead of

my broken arm. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 . You should try to cause. Owls are night. , or gather, support for your ; they fly around and look for food at ;

The weather reporter predicted a storm of high it sure did have a great deal of energy. I wanted to trace my familys background. , history, and

Near the end of the semester, students often feel with work; I, too, felt overwhelmed with my workload. Often (outside) forces cause changes in ones life.