CONTEXT CLUES c.

In the course of man’s evolution, certain organs have

Context clues are hints found within a sentence, atrophied. The appendix, for example, has wasted away
paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to from disuse.
understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. “Atrophied” means “wasted away.”
Learning the meaning of a word through its use in a
sentence or paragraph is the most practical way to build 3. SYNONYM RESTATEMENT CLUE
vocabulary, since a dictionary is not always available The reader may discover the meaning of an unknown
when a reader encounters an unknown word. A reader word because it repeats an idea expressed in familiar
must be aware that many words have several possible words nearby. Synonyms are words with
meanings. Only by being sensitive to the circumstances the same meaning.
in which a word is used can the reader decide upon an Examples:
appropriate definition to fit the context. A reader a. Flooded with spotlights – the focus of all attention –
should rely on context clues when an obvious clue to the new Miss America began her year-long reign. She
meaning is provided, or when only a general sense of was the cynosure of all eyes for the rest of the evening.
the meaning is needed for the reader’s purposes. “Cynosure” means “the focus of all attention.”
b. The mountain pass was a tortuous road, winding and
twisting like a snake
1. DEFINITION / DESCRIPTION CLUE around the trees of the mountainside.
“Tortuous” means “winding and twisting.”
The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient
explanation may be given within the sentence or in the 4. CONTRAST / ANTONYM CLUE
following sentences. Clues to definition include “that Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. An
is,” commas, dashes, and parentheses. opposite meaning context clue contrasts the meaning of
Examples: an unfamiliar word with the meaning of a familiar
a. His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, term. Words like “although,” “however,” and “but” may
was frightening to see. signal contrast clues.
“Skeleton-like appearance” is the definition of Examples:
“emaciation.”
b. Fluoroscopy, examination with a fluoroscope, has a. When the light brightens, the pupils of the eyes
become a common practice. contract; however, when it grows darker, they dilate.
The commas before and after “examination with a
fluoroscope” point out the “Dilate” means the opposite of “contract.”
definition of “fluoroscopy.”
b. The children were as different as day and night. He
c. The dudeen – a short-stemmed clay pipe – is found in
was a lively conversationalist, but she was reserved and
Irish folk tales.
“The dashes setting off “a short-stemmed clay pipe” taciturn.
point out the definition of “dudeen.” “Taciturn” means the opposite of a “lively
2. EXAMPLE CLUES conversationalist.”
Sometimes when a reader finds a new word, an
example might be found nearby that helps to explain its
meaning. Words like including, such as, and for
example, point out example clues.
Examples:
a. Piscatorial creatures, such as flounder, salmon, and
trout, live in the coldest
parts of the ocean.
“Piscatorial” obviously refers to fish.
b. Celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars,
have fascinated man
through the centuries.
“Celestial” objects are those in the sky or heavens.
 ever felt. After that, I always looked for chances to help
people, because it always
Text Types made them and me feel good.

Prose B. Discursive
Unlike poetry, prose does not fall into neatly defined Discursive writing offers the writer's thoughts on a
forms such as sonnets, particular topic such as 'the delights of living in the
blank verse, etc. We must therefore look at the 'type' of country', or 'the tribulations of urban life', providing:
prose and consider its  General observations from his own and perhaps
function or objective — i.e. to inform, to describe, to humorous or unusual, perspective. There is usually a
change, etc. Assessing the sense of a mind enjoying its own intellectual activity and
type of prose serves a limited, yet useful purpose; creative expression.
limited because many passages Example:
will combine different 'types' of prose writing
simultaneously, yet useful in Keep the Faith
providing a starting-point that will direct the more
By Mark Anthony O. Obispo
detailed analysis to follow. The
different types of prose fall into the following broad Volcanic eruption, pandemic lockdowns, typhoons,
categories. earthquakes, and other catastrophic events have
ravaged our country. Honestly speaking, some of you
might question your faith in God. Maybe by now you
A. Narrative
are asking why He let things happen this way. As
This is the most common type of prose found in novels Filipino, I believe that we can easily rise up to the
and stories. Basically it relates to any sort of writing that challenges around us. For now, prayer and resiliency are
tells a story or develops a plot. In narrative the number one weapons we Filipinos need to
prose, the writer is concerned with two basic objectives: overcome the obstacles that hit us. Let us not also
1. To give the reader all the necessary and relevant forget the spirit of “Bayanihan” that implies something
information so that characters and events in his about working together happily. If yesterday
narrative are explained, or make sense; is a bad day, let us walk hand in hand with faith in God
2. To promote and sustain the reader's interest and that these morbid situations be gone in a period of
curiosity, offering the interesting, the unusual or the time. For every yesterday of agony and awe there
intriguing in character and situation. is always tomorrow of heroism and new beginning. Let
us not reside from “crab
mentality” rather, reside from “We” mentality wherein
Example: we can exercise helping each other and putting our faith
in God so that He will give us courage and optimism in
Read the paragraph on the next page.
this world. No matter what happens, do not give up. Do
Good Deed not question God, for He has better plans for all of us.
I learned the about the joy of helping others Dear countrymen, believe. Pray, we can rise up. We can
when I was in kindergarten. One of my classmates do this. Push forward, Keep the faith.
had forgotten his snack, so he had nothing to eat
during recess. Nobody wanted to share with him C. Descriptive
because we were all very hungry and it was really his
Here, the main function, obviously, is to describe, to
own fault that he would have to go without food. That
give as accurately, or
day my mother had packed my favorite treat: a
intriguingly, or powerfully as possible a deep impression
chocolate and peanut butter cup. I wanted it all for
of a character, place, or
myself, but my mother had often told me that I should
situation. The reader should feel the scene and be able
share, so I broke my chocolate and peanut butter cup in
to see it or hear it as vividly
half and gave my forgetful classmate one half. He nearly
as possible. The mystery novelist Raymond Chandler
fell over in surprise. Then he smiled the
was one of American literature’s masters of descriptive
biggest smile I have ever seen, and I suddenly felt the
language. This sentence from The High Window strikes
greatest happiness I had
the perfect notes to embody its subject:
Example Example: I was completely surprised by your attitude.
“She had pewter-colored hair set in a ruthless
permanent, a hard beak, and large The soldiers were fully equipped with proper
moist eyes with the sympathetic expression of wet knowledge.
stones.”
Adverb of Frequency: Adverb of frequency tells how we
often do something.
D. Didactic/Directive
Sample adverbs: Frequently, Often, Yearly, Briefly
This writing attempts to influence the reader's thinking
or behavior in a specific manner, as the writer seeks to Example: I have a checkup every month.
persuade, or cajole, or coerce the reader into
thinking in a certain way. Generally, such writing deals We go to the province yearly.
with moral or political issues and is most commonly
Adverb of Comment: This adverb tells how we give our
found in the sermon, treatise, journalism, or, at its
lowest form, propaganda. opinion.

Sample adverbs: Unfortunately, Luckily, Happily,

Example Honestly

Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the City of Example: Unfortunately, I lost in the game.
Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be The couple lived happily ever after.
delivered from the Wrath to come; I would
therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this Gate is Adverb of Conjunction: This adverb helps us in
the Way thither, know if you are willing to let me in? connecting independent clauses.

Sample adverbs: However, Consequently, Moreover

Eight Common Types of Adverbs
Example: Marta enjoys online selling moreover she is
Adverb of Time: Adverb of time answers the question
good at it.
“when?”
The man claimed that it is safe to cross the river
Sample adverbs: Once Never, Tomorrow, Daily
however
Example: My classmates will be here tomorrow.
his comrades were not prepared to cross it.
Once in a while she visits my place.
Adverbs of Confirmation and Negation: These type of
Adverb of Place: Adverb of place answers the question adverbs tell us how we give
“where?”
our sides about something. It is like giving your stand in
Sample adverbs: Anywhere, Somewhere, Near, Far a certain point of view.

Example: I will follow you everywhere you go. Sample adverbs: Definitely, Absolutely, Surely, Never.

Do not go near the snake. Example: The dog never abandons her puppies during
the cold night.
Adverb of Manner: It describes how we do a certain
activity. I will definitely at your birthday to greet you.

Sample adverbs: Honestly, Joyfully, Cunningly

Example: The children play basketball joyfully.

The traps were arranged in a cunningly way.

Adverbs of Degree: It tells something about the level of

the activity we do.

Sample adverbs: Fully, Partially, Altogether