Context Clues &

Affixes and
Roots
Study the following sentences. Draw
your attention to the word in bold
letters.
The mountain pass was a tortuous
road, winding and twisting like a snake
around the trees of the mountainside.
Flooded with spotlight – the focus of
all attention – the new Miss Philippines
began her year long reign. She was the
cynosure of all eyes for the rest of the
evening.
A. Infer Meaning of words
through Context Clues
1. Definition/explanation The idea: Look for
a definition or an explanation within the
sentence.
 Discrimination or unfairly targeting one or
more groups by those who perceive
themselves to be superior can cause
distress.
 Vulnerable people are oftentimes in need
of protection under certain laws so others
cannot take advantage of them.
2. Synonym The idea: Words next to the
unknown word can be a clue that there is a
synonym.
 Discrimination or bias can cause distress
toward the targeted group.
 When people know they are vulnerable or
defenseless, they tend to protect
themselves to avoid harm.
3. Example The idea: Providing examples of
the unknown word can give readers a clue
to meaning.
Like shunning smokers in restaurants by
making them satisfy their habit outside,
discrimination targets a perceived
undesirable group.
Vulnerable people, such as young children,
the elderly, or handicapped individuals,
might have protections under certain laws.
4. Antonym/contrast The idea:
opposite information about the
unknown word can be offset by words
and phrases such as unlike, as opposed
to, different from.
 Discrimination, as opposed to fairness
for all people, can have damaging
effects on a targeted group.
 Vulnerable people, unlike those who
can stand up for themselves, tend to
be the target of unethical or
dangerous individuals.
5. Analogy The idea: Comparisons of
the word help to determine what it
means.
 The ill effects of discrimination are
like hateful, wicked tendrils gripping
the heart.
 Vulnerable people can be like fragile
glass in need of care and attention.
B. Infer Meaning through Affixes
(Prefix and suffix) and Roots
Word Parts
The idea: Break down the different parts of
a word—base word (word stem or root
word), prefixes, and suffixes—to figure out
what it means. Some words have a prefix
only (reread), a suffix only (reading), both a
prefix and a suffix (pre-reading), a
combination (unreadableness), or neither
(read).
Affixes are parts of words that can be
added to words to change the
meaning. When they affix 'un' to the
word 'real' = 'unreal.' Affixes can be
added to words or roots. If affixes are
added at the beginning, they are called
prefixes. If they are added at the end
of a word, they are called suffixes.
Encircle the correct meaning of the
given prefixes, suffixes and roots.
 Write a prefix or suffix to complete
the sentence. Use re-, -ful, un-, -ly.
The ground was complete___ covered with dust
because of the on-going construction.
2. The kids were very ___happy when they lose
in the soccer game.
3. Our teacher told us to be care___ when doing
experiments in science.
4. I had to ___read the questions so I could
understand it.
5. Jan forgot the backpack and had to _____turn
home to get it.
Read each sentence and determine the meaning of
the word using context clues. Then, explain what
type of clues in the sentence helped you determine
the word meaning.
Example: The boy acted in a humane
way when taking care of the lost dog.
The word humane means caring.
a. hurtful b. caring c. mean d. bad
What type of clues helped you
determine the meaning? Explanation
I asked if I could go to Jacky's party, and Mom said she
would have to give it some consideration before she
gave me an answer. The word consideration means
_______________.
a. paint b. thought c. flame d. mistake
What type of clues helped you determine the
meaning? __________________
2. Though Samantha's test was partially done, she
received a low grade because it was not complete.
The word partially means __________________.
a. badly b. finally c. completely d. Incomplet
What type of clues helped you determine the
meaning?__________________
3. Although the princess is familiar to those in London,
she is unknown to the rest of the world.
The word familiar in this sentence means
_____________________.
a. pretty b. smart c. old d. well-known
What type of clues helped you determine the
meaning?__________________
4. The buoyant raft floated on the water like a feather.
The word buoyant means _____________________.
a. floatable b. heavy c. hard d. pretty
What type of clues helped you determine the
meaning?__________________
5. Psychologists have conducted research on altruism,
which can be defined as "putting the needs and
welfare of others above one's own needs and well-
being."
a. psychologists who conduct research
b. research conducted by psychologists
c. putting the needs and welfare of others above one's
own needs and well-being
d. conduct research to solve a problem.

What type of clues helped you to determine the

meaning?__________________
5. Psychologists have conducted research on altruism,
which can be defined as "putting the needs and
welfare of others above one's own needs and well-
being."
a. psychologists who conduct research
b. research conducted by psychologists
c. putting the needs and welfare of others above one's
own needs and well-being
d. conduct research to solve a problem.

What type of clues helped you to determine the

meaning?__________________
A word in each sentence below is
underlined. Choose the word from
the choices that has its similar
meaning. Use the context clues in
each sentence to help you choose
the similar meaning of the
underlined word.
1. The movie star’s large and beautiful home
was palatial.
A. ugly B. tiny C. for dogs D. like a palace
2. At the restaurant we were offered a variety of
beverages, like milk and ice tea.
A. bread B. silverware C. drinks D. menus
3. Slavery was abolished in the U.S. after the
Civil War. A. outlawed B. exchanged C.
running D. common
4. Pedestrians should look both ways before
crossing the street. A. crosswalks B. walkers
C. stoplights D. parrots
5. When I fell off the trampoline, I fractured
my arm and wore a cast. A. rested B.
broke C. avoided D. looked at
6. The class decided to exhibit the science
project during Parents’ Night. A. lose B. eat
C. trade D. show
7. The frigid water made Elizabeth’s teeth
chatter. A. cold B. clean C. green D. warm
8. Typewriters became obsolete with the
development of personal computers. A. popular
B. out-dated C. careful D. round
9. His mother gets anxious if he stays outside
after dark. A. nervous B. silly C. happy D.
sleepy
10. After the rainstorm, the rainbow lit up the
sky with vivid colors. A. dark B. funny C.
bright D. normal
A. Make four words from each root
words using the suffixes in the box.
Think of words with the prefix pre-,
bi-, fore-, and under-. Write them in
the proper column.