Context Clue Inference - ISEE Middle Level: Reading Comprehension
Card 1 of 25
Which signal word most strongly suggests examples will follow: “such as,” “nevertheless,” or “therefore”?
Which signal word most strongly suggests examples will follow: “such as,” “nevertheless,” or “therefore”?
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Such as. The phrase 'such as' commonly precedes a list of examples that help illustrate the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
Such as. The phrase 'such as' commonly precedes a list of examples that help illustrate the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
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What is the difference between denotation and connotation in context-clue questions?
What is the difference between denotation and connotation in context-clue questions?
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Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is emotional tone. Denotation refers to the dictionary definition, while connotation involves implied emotional or cultural associations inferred from context.
Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is emotional tone. Denotation refers to the dictionary definition, while connotation involves implied emotional or cultural associations inferred from context.
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Choose the meaning of “laconic”: “He gave a laconic reply, using only two words.”
Choose the meaning of “laconic”: “He gave a laconic reply, using only two words.”
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Brief; using few words. The sentence's description of a short reply using minimal words indicates 'laconic' means concise in speech.
Brief; using few words. The sentence's description of a short reply using minimal words indicates 'laconic' means concise in speech.
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Choose the meaning of “elated”: “She was elated, smiling and laughing after the good news.”
Choose the meaning of “elated”: “She was elated, smiling and laughing after the good news.”
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Extremely happy. The context of smiling and laughing after good news suggests 'elated' conveys intense joy or excitement.
Extremely happy. The context of smiling and laughing after good news suggests 'elated' conveys intense joy or excitement.
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Which source is more trustworthy for meaning: the author’s local context or your prior association with the word?
Which source is more trustworthy for meaning: the author’s local context or your prior association with the word?
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The author’s local context. The author's specific usage in the text overrides personal preconceptions to ensure accurate interpretation of the word.
The author’s local context. The author's specific usage in the text overrides personal preconceptions to ensure accurate interpretation of the word.
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Choose the meaning of “benevolent”: “The benevolent donor gave anonymously to help families.”
Choose the meaning of “benevolent”: “The benevolent donor gave anonymously to help families.”
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Kind and generous. Anonymous giving to aid others implies 'benevolent' describes someone with goodwill and charitable intentions.
Kind and generous. Anonymous giving to aid others implies 'benevolent' describes someone with goodwill and charitable intentions.
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What is the best first step when inferring a word’s meaning from context?
What is the best first step when inferring a word’s meaning from context?
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Reread the sentence and identify clue words or phrases. Rereading helps isolate the unfamiliar word and spot nearby clues like synonyms, antonyms, or examples that suggest its meaning.
Reread the sentence and identify clue words or phrases. Rereading helps isolate the unfamiliar word and spot nearby clues like synonyms, antonyms, or examples that suggest its meaning.
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What is the most reliable unit of context to check first: sentence, paragraph, or entire passage?
What is the most reliable unit of context to check first: sentence, paragraph, or entire passage?
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The sentence containing the word (then nearby sentences). The immediate sentence provides the most precise context clues, with adjacent sentences offering additional support if needed.
The sentence containing the word (then nearby sentences). The immediate sentence provides the most precise context clues, with adjacent sentences offering additional support if needed.
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Which transition most strongly signals contrast: “however,” “for example,” or “in addition”?
Which transition most strongly signals contrast: “however,” “for example,” or “in addition”?
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However. The transition 'however' indicates opposition or contrast, often signaling an antonym clue to define the word.
However. The transition 'however' indicates opposition or contrast, often signaling an antonym clue to define the word.
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What should you do after forming a tentative meaning from context clues?
What should you do after forming a tentative meaning from context clues?
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Substitute it into the sentence and check for sense. Substitution verifies if the proposed meaning logically fits the sentence's structure and overall sense in context.
Substitute it into the sentence and check for sense. Substitution verifies if the proposed meaning logically fits the sentence's structure and overall sense in context.
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What is a definition context clue?
What is a definition context clue?
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A nearby statement directly explains the word’s meaning. This clue type provides an explicit explanation of the unfamiliar word through a nearby phrase or sentence that defines it directly.
A nearby statement directly explains the word’s meaning. This clue type provides an explicit explanation of the unfamiliar word through a nearby phrase or sentence that defines it directly.
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What is a synonym (restatement) context clue?
What is a synonym (restatement) context clue?
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A nearby word or phrase with a similar meaning clarifies it. This clue restates the unfamiliar word using a synonymous term or phrase in close proximity to clarify its meaning.
A nearby word or phrase with a similar meaning clarifies it. This clue restates the unfamiliar word using a synonymous term or phrase in close proximity to clarify its meaning.
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What is an antonym (contrast) context clue?
What is an antonym (contrast) context clue?
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An opposite idea nearby helps define the unknown word. This clue uses a contrasting word or idea nearby to highlight the opposite meaning, aiding in defining the unknown term.
An opposite idea nearby helps define the unknown word. This clue uses a contrasting word or idea nearby to highlight the opposite meaning, aiding in defining the unknown term.
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What is an example (illustration) context clue?
What is an example (illustration) context clue?
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Specific instances listed near the word reveal its meaning. This clue lists concrete examples near the word to illustrate and reveal its general meaning through specific instances.
Specific instances listed near the word reveal its meaning. This clue lists concrete examples near the word to illustrate and reveal its general meaning through specific instances.
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What is an inference (general) context clue?
What is an inference (general) context clue?
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You deduce meaning from the overall situation and tone. This clue requires deducing the word's meaning from the broader surrounding details, situation, or tone without direct hints.
You deduce meaning from the overall situation and tone. This clue requires deducing the word's meaning from the broader surrounding details, situation, or tone without direct hints.
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Which punctuation most often signals a definition clue: comma, dash, or semicolon?
Which punctuation most often signals a definition clue: comma, dash, or semicolon?
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Dash. Dashes often set off definitions or explanations directly after the word, making them a common punctuation signal for this clue.
Dash. Dashes often set off definitions or explanations directly after the word, making them a common punctuation signal for this clue.
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What should you avoid when using context clues: choosing a meaning that fits the topic or the exact sentence?
What should you avoid when using context clues: choosing a meaning that fits the topic or the exact sentence?
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Avoid a meaning that only fits the topic, not the sentence. Context clues demand a meaning that precisely aligns with the sentence's logic, not just the general topic.
Avoid a meaning that only fits the topic, not the sentence. Context clues demand a meaning that precisely aligns with the sentence's logic, not just the general topic.
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Which phrase most strongly signals a definition is coming: “however,” “such as,” or “that is”?
Which phrase most strongly signals a definition is coming: “however,” “such as,” or “that is”?
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That is. The phrase 'that is' typically introduces a direct definition or clarification of the preceding term in the text.
That is. The phrase 'that is' typically introduces a direct definition or clarification of the preceding term in the text.
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Choose the meaning of “frigid”: “The frigid air made his hands numb within minutes.”
Choose the meaning of “frigid”: “The frigid air made his hands numb within minutes.”
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Very cold. The sentence linking 'frigid' air to numbness implies it describes extremely low temperatures causing physical effects.
Very cold. The sentence linking 'frigid' air to numbness implies it describes extremely low temperatures causing physical effects.
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Choose the meaning of “meticulous”: “He was meticulous, checking every detail before submitting.”
Choose the meaning of “meticulous”: “He was meticulous, checking every detail before submitting.”
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Very careful and precise. The detail of checking every aspect before submission shows 'meticulous' involves thorough attention to detail.
Very careful and precise. The detail of checking every aspect before submission shows 'meticulous' involves thorough attention to detail.
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Choose the meaning of “reluctant”: “Reluctant to speak, she looked down and stayed silent.”
Choose the meaning of “reluctant”: “Reluctant to speak, she looked down and stayed silent.”
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Unwilling; hesitant. Her silence and downward gaze in response indicate 'reluctant' means unwilling or hesitant to act.
Unwilling; hesitant. Her silence and downward gaze in response indicate 'reluctant' means unwilling or hesitant to act.
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Choose the meaning of “novice”: “As a novice, he needed guidance on the basic steps.”
Choose the meaning of “novice”: “As a novice, he needed guidance on the basic steps.”
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Beginner. Needing guidance on basics implies 'novice' refers to someone inexperienced or new to a skill.
Beginner. Needing guidance on basics implies 'novice' refers to someone inexperienced or new to a skill.
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Choose the meaning of “candid”: “Her candid comments were honest, even if uncomfortable.”
Choose the meaning of “candid”: “Her candid comments were honest, even if uncomfortable.”
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Frank; truthful. Describing honest yet uncomfortable comments suggests 'candid' means openly straightforward or sincere.
Frank; truthful. Describing honest yet uncomfortable comments suggests 'candid' means openly straightforward or sincere.
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Choose the meaning of “sporadic”: “Attendance was sporadic; some days no one came at all.”
Choose the meaning of “sporadic”: “Attendance was sporadic; some days no one came at all.”
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Irregular; occurring occasionally. Irregular attendance with days of absence indicates 'sporadic' means happening at uneven or infrequent intervals.
Irregular; occurring occasionally. Irregular attendance with days of absence indicates 'sporadic' means happening at uneven or infrequent intervals.
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Choose the meaning of “diminish”: “The noise began to diminish until the room was quiet.”
Choose the meaning of “diminish”: “The noise began to diminish until the room was quiet.”
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Decrease; become smaller or weaker. The noise reducing to quiet shows 'diminish' means to lessen in intensity or size over time.
Decrease; become smaller or weaker. The noise reducing to quiet shows 'diminish' means to lessen in intensity or size over time.
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