All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Which signal word most strongly suggests examples will follow: “such as,” “nevertheless,” or “therefore”?
Answer: Such as. The phrase 'such as' commonly precedes a list of examples that help illustrate the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
Flashcard 2: What is the difference between denotation and connotation in context-clue questions?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 3: Choose the meaning of “laconic”: “He gave a laconic reply, using only two words.”
Answer: Brief; using few words. The sentence's description of a short reply using minimal words indicates 'laconic' means concise in speech.
Flashcard 4: Choose the meaning of “elated”: “She was elated, smiling and laughing after the good news.”
Answer: Extremely happy. The context of smiling and laughing after good news suggests 'elated' conveys intense joy or excitement.
Flashcard 5: Which source is more trustworthy for meaning: the author’s local context or your prior association with the word?
Answer: The author’s local context. The author's specific usage in the text overrides personal preconceptions to ensure accurate interpretation of the word.
Flashcard 6: Choose the meaning of “benevolent”: “The benevolent donor gave anonymously to help families.”
Answer: Kind and generous. Anonymous giving to aid others implies 'benevolent' describes someone with goodwill and charitable intentions.
Flashcard 7: What is the best first step when inferring a word’s meaning from context?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 8: What is the most reliable unit of context to check first: sentence, paragraph, or entire passage?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 9: Which transition most strongly signals contrast: “however,” “for example,” or “in addition”?
Answer: However. The transition 'however' indicates opposition or contrast, often signaling an antonym clue to define the word.
Flashcard 10: What should you do after forming a tentative meaning from context clues?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 11: What is a definition context clue?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 12: What is a synonym (restatement) context clue?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 13: What is an antonym (contrast) context clue?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 14: What is an example (illustration) context clue?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 15: What is an inference (general) context clue?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 16: Which punctuation most often signals a definition clue: comma, dash, or semicolon?
Answer: Dash. Dashes often set off definitions or explanations directly after the word, making them a common punctuation signal for this clue.
Flashcard 17: What should you avoid when using context clues: choosing a meaning that fits the topic or the exact sentence?
Answer: 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.
Flashcard 18: Which phrase most strongly signals a definition is coming: “however,” “such as,” or “that is”?
Answer: That is. The phrase 'that is' typically introduces a direct definition or clarification of the preceding term in the text.
Flashcard 19: Choose the meaning of “frigid”: “The frigid air made his hands numb within minutes.”
Answer: Very cold. The sentence linking 'frigid' air to numbness implies it describes extremely low temperatures causing physical effects.
Flashcard 20: Choose the meaning of “meticulous”: “He was meticulous, checking every detail before submitting.”
Answer: Very careful and precise. The detail of checking every aspect before submission shows 'meticulous' involves thorough attention to detail.
Flashcard 21: Choose the meaning of “reluctant”: “Reluctant to speak, she looked down and stayed silent.”
Answer: Unwilling; hesitant. Her silence and downward gaze in response indicate 'reluctant' means unwilling or hesitant to act.
Flashcard 22: Choose the meaning of “novice”: “As a novice, he needed guidance on the basic steps.”
Answer: Beginner. Needing guidance on basics implies 'novice' refers to someone inexperienced or new to a skill.
Flashcard 23: Choose the meaning of “candid”: “Her candid comments were honest, even if uncomfortable.”
Answer: Frank; truthful. Describing honest yet uncomfortable comments suggests 'candid' means openly straightforward or sincere.
Flashcard 24: Choose the meaning of “sporadic”: “Attendance was sporadic; some days no one came at all.”
Answer: Irregular; occurring occasionally. Irregular attendance with days of absence indicates 'sporadic' means happening at uneven or infrequent intervals.
Flashcard 25: Choose the meaning of “diminish”: “The noise began to diminish until the room was quiet.”
Answer: Decrease; become smaller or weaker. The noise reducing to quiet shows 'diminish' means to lessen in intensity or size over time.