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Contents
Reading
 
Meaning of Words and Phrases
Context Clues
Synonyms or Antonyms
Correct Use of Commonly Misused Words
Figurative or Colloquial Language
 
Main Idea and Supporting Details
 
Purpose, Point of View, and Intended Meaning
 
Analyze the Relationship Among Ideas
 
Critical Reasoning Skills
 
Apply Study Skills
 
Practice Reading Tests
 

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DEMONSTRATION ONLY: This demonstration presents an abbreviated version of the complete PLACE course. Click 'Next' at the bottom of the screen or make a selection from the links on the left to begin. Not all links are available for the demo.

Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in the Context

Using the Context of a Passage to Determine the Meaning of Words with Multiple Meanings

The examples below show four types of relationships between ideas that help you see the meaning of an unknown word. Two parts of each sentence are underlined for you. The relationship between those two parts can help you identify the meaning of the italicized word:

1. Example/Description – These clues explain, describe, clarify or give an actual example of the unknown word. Some words that may signal an example or description are for example, for instance, including, meaning, such as...

For example:

When I procrastinate by putting off working on a project until just before it is due, it is usually not my best work.

Procrastinate = putting off

2. Antonyms/Contrast – An Antonym is a word with an opposite meaning. Sometimes there is one word (or phrase) in the sentence that means the opposite of the unknown word. Some words that may signal an antonym/contrast are yet, but, however, on the other hand, in contrast...

For example:

Instead of Kathryn being demoted as she had feared, she was moved up to a new and more challenging job that paid more.

"Moved up" is the opposite of "demoted"

3. Synonyms/Comparison – A synonym is a word with a similar or identical meaning. There is sometimes one word (or phrase) in the sentence that means the same or almost the same as the unknown word. Words that sometimes signal a synonym are comparison transitions: similar, just as, equally, the same as, like...

For example:

Her predicament presented her with the same difficult situation she had faced the year before, when her family moved for the first time.

A predicament is similar to a difficult situation.

4. General Sense (General Knowledge) – With these types of context clues, you'll need to draw conclusions based on the information given and perhaps some personal experience or insight

For example:

If you've ever gone on a blind date, you've probably experienced that moment of trepidation just before you meet your date for the first time.

In this case trepidation might mean nervousness, fright, anxiety, etc. In this example you can only determine the meaning by using your knowledge or experience about blind dates.

Synonyms and antonyms will be explored further in the next section.

 


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