ISEE Lower Level Reading Comprehension

Learn how to understand, analyze, and answer questions about reading passages for the ISEE Lower Level exam.

Finding the Main IdeaUnderstanding DetailsFiguring Out Vocabulary in Context
Making InferencesUnderstanding Author’s PurposeComparing and Contrasting Information
Applying Reading Comprehension to Everyday LifeUsing Context Clues in Daily ConversationsRecognizing Main Ideas in Media
Read the Questions FirstEliminate Wrong AnswersCheck Your Answers
Finding the Main Ide...Understanding Detail...Figuring Out Vocabul...Making InferencesUnderstanding Author...Comparing and Contra...Applying Reading Com...Using Context Clues ...Recognizing Main Ide...Read the Questions F...Eliminate Wrong Answ...Check Your Answers
Basic Concepts

Figuring Out Vocabulary in Context

What Does "Vocabulary in Context" Mean?

Sometimes you find a word you don't know while reading. "Vocabulary in context" means using clues in the sentence or passage to figure out what that word means.

How to Use Context Clues

  • Look at the words and sentences around the new word.
  • Think about what makes sense.
  • Look for synonyms or definitions nearby.

Types of Context Clues

  • Definition: The word is explained in the same sentence.
  • Synonym: A word with a similar meaning is used nearby.
  • Antonym: A word with the opposite meaning is used.
  • Example: An example helps you figure out the meaning.

Why is This Skill Important?

It helps you understand what you're reading, even if you don't know every word!

Try It Out

Next time you see a new word, see if you can guess what it means before looking it up.

Examples

  • In 'The arid desert is very dry,' you can tell 'arid' means dry because of the context.

  • If a passage says, 'She is jubilant, or very happy, about her test score,' you know 'jubilant' means happy.

In a Nutshell

Use clues in the passage to figure out the meaning of unknown words.

Next
Making Inferences