Context Clue
Inference
Learn to unlock unknown word meanings by reading the clues that surround them: the key to SSAT Reading success.
What Are Context Clues?
When you encounter an unfamiliar word in a reading passage, the surrounding words and sentences often contain hints about its meaning. These hints are called context clues.
Why Context Clues Matter
The Clue Zone Around a Word
Always scan before and after the unknown word. The clues may be in the same sentence or even the sentence before or after.
Five Types of Context Clues
How the Five Types Work
Direct vs. Indirect Clues
| Direct Clues | Indirect Clues | |
|---|---|---|
| Types | Definition, Synonym | Antonym, Example, Inference |
| How They Work | Meaning is stated outright or restated nearby | Meaning must be figured out from contrast, examples, or overall context |
| Difficulty | Easier to spot | Harder to spot |
| Signal Words | "which means," "or," "also called" | "but," "however," "for example," "such as" |
The 4-Step Context Clue Method
Example 1: Definition Clue
Example 2: Antonym Clue
Example 3: Inference Clue
Signal Words Cheat Sheet
| Clue Type | Signal Words to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Definition | "which means," "that is," "in other words," "also called" |
| Synonym | "also," "similarly," "like," "or," commas around a restatement |
| Antonym | "but," "however," "unlike," "although," "whereas," "instead" |
| Example | "for example," "such as," "including," "for instance" |
| Inference | No specific signal: use overall tone, setting, and logic |
The Substitution Test
After you predict a meaning, plug your prediction back into the sentence to see if it makes sense. This quick check eliminates wrong answers.
Putting It All Together
Common Mistakes
Question 1 of 5
"Although the other students were rowdy during lunch, Kenji remained placid, quietly reading his book as if nothing could disturb him."
As used in the sentence, the word "placid" most nearly means:
Question 2 of 5
"The dilapidated house, with its broken windows, sagging roof, and crumbling walls, had clearly been abandoned for years."
What does the word "dilapidated" most likely mean?
Question 3 of 5
"The teacher was known for her candid remarks. She never sugarcoated anything and always told students exactly what they needed to hear."
The word "candid" most nearly means:
Question 4 of 5
"The detective needed to scrutinize every detail of the crime scene. She used a magnifying glass and spent hours examining each tiny piece of evidence."
Based on the context, "scrutinize" most likely means:
Question 5 of 5
"Most students found the math problem simple, but for Alex, it was perplexing. He stared at his paper in confusion, unable to figure out where to begin."
The word "perplexing" most nearly means: