MAP 7th Grade Reading

A comprehensive course to build reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills for the MAP 7th Grade Reading test.

Basic Concepts

Understanding Vocabulary in Context

Unlocking the Meaning of Unknown Words

Not sure what a word means? No problem! You can often figure it out by looking at the words and sentences around it—this is called using context clues.

Types of Context Clues

  • Definition: The author explains the word.
  • Synonym: A similar word is nearby.
  • Antonym: An opposite word is used.
  • Example: The word is used with examples that explain it.
  • General Sense: The overall meaning of the sentence gives it away.

Why Vocabulary Matters

Understanding new words helps you:

  • Get better grades on tests like MAP.
  • Enjoy books, articles, and even jokes more.
  • Communicate clearly in conversations.

Real-World Connections

You'll use context clues when:

  • Reading instructions for a game.
  • Figuring out lyrics in a new song.
  • Understanding new words in a science or history class.

Examples

  • Learning that 'gregarious' means friendly because the sentence says, 'He was so gregarious, always making new friends wherever he went.'

  • Understanding that 'arid' means dry because the passage says, 'The arid desert had no water and little plant life.'

In a Nutshell

Use clues in the text to figure out what new words mean.

Key Terms

Context Clue
Words or sentences that help you figure out the meaning of an unknown word.
Synonym
A word that means the same or almost the same as another word.