16 Developing Ret 3K Acontextal dueisa clue or hie found within asencence, paragraph or passage which Can assist readers inunderstanding the meaning ofnew or unfamiliar words sading Skills ) introduction 2.0 zs to use multiple ways and sources 1g The strategies also play aerial ners’ comprehension of a reading in significantly increas Oe ouoe it helps students learn cinerea, Direct instruction Is eff" etter understanding of the reading materials and guides them 10W5° “ eaching of specific words which are related 19 Direct instruction in” gaming strategies, such as contextual analysis ang a topic oF using worked the meaning of words. The use of a dictionary the dictionary, 10 Wiple meanings of new or unfamiliar words, as well teaches student's Tr choosing the appropriate definition to fit a particular as the imporiane® > palysis, on the other hand, requires students to infer context. Contextua) ots by closely examining the surrounding text. In the meaning of vil discuss the vocabulary strategies which can be used to aa coerce meaning of unfamiliar words when reading a tex. w learner Vocabulary strategies allow leat determine the meaning of Wo Contextual Analysis When reading, readers may not be able to understand every word found in a particular text, Thus, readers depend on context clues to facilitate their Comprehension. Context clues refer to clues or hints found within a sentence, pazagraph or passage which can assist the readers in understanding the Ineaning of unfamiliar words. To put it simply, contextual analysis helps the readers make an intelligent guess. This is the most practical way to build on vocabulary since a dictionary may not be readily available at all times when they encounter unfamiliar words. ‘The readers must also be aware that a particular word might have several possible meanings, and only by discerning the situation in which the word is used can they decide on an appropriate definition which fits the context. Some of the context clues that will be discussed are: (a) Definition clue (b) Example clue (c) Contrast clue (d) Inference clue (e) Experience clueCHAPTER 2 strategies to Determine the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words VF < 2.1.1 Definition Clues A definition clue is the easiest clue for readers to identify, as the definition of a particular word or phrase is given by the author in a sentence. Among, the clues to look out for are words such as known as, defined as, means and that is. Example 1 Ethnocentrism is defined as the belief that one’s own culture is superior to that of others. The belief that one's own culture is superior to that of others is the definition of ethnocentrism. =pExaniple 2 ‘Thermal energy is the term for energy that comes from heat, This heat is generated by the movement of tiny particles within an object. ‘The energy that comes from heat is defined as thermal energy. > Example 3 Leadership isthe ability of a company's management to make sound decisions, and inspire others to perform well. The ability of a company’s management to make sound decisions and inspire others to perform well is the definition of leadership. Source: Adapted from Context Clues’, Mde.edu, ‘Thermal Energy Facts’, Softschools.com and ‘Leadership’, Investopedia com. Some authors also use synonyms to explain a particular word or phenomenon. The synonyms then serve as definition clues. Besides that, readers should be on the look out for punctuation marks, such as the use of commas (,), colons (:) and brackets or parentheses ((...)), and various prints such as boldface and italics, to name a few. 2.1.2. Example Clues ‘An example clue consists of examples given by the author to explain the meaning of unfamiliar words. Words such as for example, for instance, suclt 4s and like indicate example clues. > example 1 ‘The research company said that less established car makers, for instance Subaru and Isuzu, could be forced out of Thailand, Subaru and Isuzu are examples of less established car makers. AK Acefivition dlueinfors thereader what word means byusinglinking words synonyms nd punctuation marks KAncsample ‘lue consists of examplesaiven bytheauthor roexplain themeaning ‘of unfamiliar words18. Developing Reading SI A contrast clue consists of Antonyms that help readers todetermine the meaning of unfamiliar ‘words lls > Example 2 it is a well-known fact that America’s economy is based on its na resources, such as coal, oil and wood. atu Coal, oil and wood are examples of (America’s) natural resources, => example3 ‘The manager discussed the current issue plaguing the company with j industry players like the Chairman, Vice-chairman and other stakeholder ‘The key industry players (of the company) are the Chairman, Vice-chatrma and other stakeholders. mn Source: Adapted from ‘Context Clues’, Idc.edts 2.1.3 Contrast Clues 6 Opposite meanings are crucial to contrast clues. Readers should look out for words or phrases that carry antonyms to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. Words such as however, although, but and nevertheless are among the contrast clues commonly used by authors > Example 1 Robert loves to sing. However, no one wants to hear him. In this sentence, ‘However’ shows contrast, ie. Robert loves to sing, but no one is willing to listen to him. > Example 2 The food was not tasty, but at least it was cheap. We understand from the sentence that the food was cheap, although tt was not tasty. The word ‘but’ shows the contrast. > Example 3 John had a bad disciplinary record and missed a lot of games. Nevertheless, he was a great sportsman. John’s bad disciplinary record and missing a lot of games are in contrast tt him being a great sportsman. Source: Adapted from "The Word “However” in Example | Senene in Formal ‘Manythings.org; ‘Context Clues’, Mdc.edir and “How to Use “Neverthele Writing’, Speakspeak.com.CHAPTER 2 strategies to Determine the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words 9 2 2.1.4 Inference Clues {An inference clue helps readers to make an educated and intelligent guess of > Aninference the meaning of unfamiliar words by using rationale, reasoning skills and the eae information provided in the text when they come across such words. aneducated and iteligent ‘uessby using a rationale Sally was not listening to the salesperson because she found his ideas and rexonng, reasoning absolutely implausible. skillsand the information Here, ‘implausible’ means that it is difficult to believe what the salesperson Providedin was saying. That is why Sally was not listening to the person. > Example 2 ’ 1 often feel languid on hot, humid 5 Sem summer afternoons. = x The word ‘languid’ can be inferred as . feeling lethargic or sluggish, due to the hot and humid weather, @ Ss iy Ti >Bample 3 James is quite versatile; he is a good student, an excellent painter and a famous chess player. James is a multi-talented person, which is reflected by his various abilities. Source: Adapted from ‘Context Clues’, Mdcedu; Essential Reading Skills, 2005, and ‘Inference Clues’, Tripod.com. 2.1.5 Experience Clues ‘The readers’ experience and prior knowledge are also clues to determine the % Anexperience meaning of unfamiliar words. The information that the reader has may serve _ ‘Wi involves as a catalyst to make sense of a particular word or phrase in a sentence. obieaadiay priorknowedge > Eamplet Inunderscanding apartclar ‘The first bow and arrow ever created was probably used for hunting and it 2c was not until later that archery was used in combat. Once firearms were invented, the bow and arrow gradually grew less popular until they became obsolete, The word ‘archery’ refers to a sport or an activity that uses a bow and an arrow, We know that the bows and arrows were traditionally used in hunting and combat, which are now a thing of the past.% 20 veeloying Renin stills > example? hese intellge help you to s2v" ‘oducts improve energy efficiency thay your carbon footprint. wall int energy-saving Pri fe money and also reduce sur experience, we know that most homes nowadays Use energy-sqyy kno ny, as, eS MONEY Pree re From 0 serve ener products to co the environment Carbon footprint is made up carbon dioxide, and ‘footprint’ arte words ‘carbon’, derived from the voferring to the trail that we leave bey It refers t0 the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, in eat of the activities of a particular individual. Thus, reducing our cari’ res of eo minamsing the nuromentl pat oot Srotng ua reused by our ifestye. ings example 3 writing an autobiography is an intros to have a good memory to recall, relive motions that were once fell during poign: ‘The words introspective’, ‘memory’, ‘recall’ ‘relive’, “reexperience’ ‘felings ‘emotions’ and ‘poignant moments of his or iter life’ serve as Dror krowlet to interpret the word ‘autobiography’ as a book about a person’s life pee spective approach, whereby one need, ‘and re-experience the feelings ang jant moments of his or her life. ‘Adapted from ‘What is Archery’, Erinaarcheryclub.com and ‘Autobiography Source: an Impressive Autobiography’, Buzzle.com Samples: How to Write 2.2) Word Structural Analysis Besides sing contextual analysis to determine the meaning of word al ‘in ir _ $ i wel analysing word structures hel tenders a achieve the same objective. Wo sl analysis is a method whereby words at words are divided into pat the meaning of the unfamiliar words. Many words in the En; sh re es are composed of roots, prefixes and suffixes. Seat aeCHAPTER 2 2.2.1 Roots Strategies to Determine the Meaiing of Unfamiliar Words A root word is a word in its own right. A root word, or root, can have a Arcot wordisa prefix, suffix or both added to it. Most roots in the English language come word initsown Tighe Moscroot from either Latin or Greek (see Tables 2.1 and 2.2). words English ome om Table 2.1 Words with Latin rots ether Latinor Greek © Latin Root Definition Example | aqua water aquarium aquatic aud to hear audible aud circum around circumference | circumscribe dict tosay * diction * dictionary duct/due tw lead deduction induce fac to make manufacture factory form to shape conform reform fon strength fortitude fortress fract to break fracture fraction ject to throw projection rejection jud judge * judicial + adjudicator mal bad malice malnutrition mater mother ‘maternal maternity, mit to send admit teansm mort death + mortal * mortuary C ae2 22. oevcloping Reading skills Latin Root multi rt to carry * portable 3 ee + porter Wines | break © bankrupt * disruption “serib/script to write © prescribe 7 * scripture sect/sec tocut * section = segment a to feel; permission | * resent * consent “spect to look | © spectator | + spectacle © struct to build * instruct 5 + structure vid/vis to see * video 7g * visual voc voice; to recommend | * advocate * vocal ‘Source: Adapted from ‘Root Words, Roots and Affixes’, Readingrockets.org Table2.2. Words with Greek roots Greek Root Definition. Example anthropo man; human; + anthropography humanity + anthropology auto self + autobiography + automobile bio | life * biography * biology chron time * chronological ‘= synchronise dyna power * dynamic wie Ons Ne neniecare cares dynasty© CHAPTER 2. Strategies to Determine the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words = ZB << Definition Example dys | bad; hard; unlucky | ® dysentery * dysfunctional | thing written * cpigram * telegram graph “writing * autobiography | + autograph hetero different * heterogeneous + heteronym homo same + homogeneous * homophone hydr water * hydration | i |e hydrogen hyper ‘over; above; beyond © hyperactive + hyperbole hypo below; beneath © hypodermic * hypothermia logy | study of * biology |» psychology meter measure * perimeter * thermometer micro. | small * microeconomics | * microscopic mis/miso hate; contempt for | © misanthrope * misogyny mono. one © monologue ‘* monopoly. morph * morphology * metamorphosis nym * antonym * synonym phil philanthropist * philosophy phobia * claustrophobia + hydrophobia> 2-4. peveloping Reading Sills Definition a | light + photograph * phosphorous pseudo a false © pseudonym > * pseudoscience psycho | soul; spirit * psychology * psychotherapy scope ~~ | viewing instrument | * microscope ae * telescope techno ant; science; skill * technique * technology “tele iar off @ telescope aa * television therm heat thermal * thermostat ‘Source: Adapted from ‘Root Words, Roots and Affixes’, Readingrockets.org, 2.2.2 Prefixes HK Aprefixis ‘A prefix is an affix that is added in front of a root word, and it often changes APliethatis the meaning of the word. Common prefixes include re-, un- and mis-. Prefi added in fre 2 fixes addedinfront can Indicate the following meanings, as shown in Table 2.3. itoften changes themeaningof Table23 Prefixes the word. [Ee see against anti-ageing * antibiotic de- opposite © defrost * devalue dis- not; opposite of * disable fore: hemi- cause to before; front of halt * disapprove * enact © empower © forecast * foreshadow © hemipleg! + hemispheCHAPTER 2 Strategies to Determine the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words 25 « Example * income + impulse indirect immoral illogical * irrelevant inter- between; among * intermediate * international mid- middle © mid-air + midsection mis- wrongly + mismanage + misplace & satel ees ee non- not | + non-exchangeable + non-negotiable over- too much; excessively | * overambitious * overvalue peri- distance around a * pericardial | two-dimensional shape | ¢ perimeter pre- before * pre-adolescent * preview re- again © reorganise + reusable semi- half; partly; not fully | * semi-conscious * semicircle sub- under * sub-zero * subway super- above; beyond | © supernatural superstructure trans- across transatlantic * transcontinental un- not; opposite of + unconventional * unrealistic under- below; too little * undercook * underrate Source: Adapted from ‘Root Words, Roots and Affixes', Readingrockets.org.Ry 26, vecoing renting sil Asufixisanafix that isplaced after a root ‘word 2.2.3. Suffixes which is placed after 2 A suffix is an affix les the main meaning word book provid Miffix -» modifies the meaning of is just one example of how suffixes 2" ‘meaning (see Table 2.4) a root word—it d A suffix can fh that describes A suffix follows word, but modifies it ‘A noun is a part of speec! ‘A verb is a part of speech describes the noun. “Table 2.4 Sufixes suffix past tense verbs; | adjectives “edi ful; some ‘one who; person | connected with root word. For example, the ‘of the word, whereas addin, ang ot word by making it plural. nd root words work together to fg, is ™, foes not change the meaning of the ‘also indicate a word's part of sp og, people, places, things and idea that describes an action, while an adjeq ve Example * attachable sensible © universal © facial she walked * he cooked * colourful ‘* wholesome * earthen |» golden * teacher * lecturer | * governor | = investigator @ | © bigger | © louderCHAPTER 2 Strategies to Determine the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words = ZF Ao Definition, Example the most * biggest | + loudest ful | full of ® powerful © useful having characteristics ¢ dramatic of * Islamic “ing | verb forms; present | running participles * concerning act; process * edition * relation * exploration state of * royalty adjective form of noun | * active * comparative © sensitive without © skinless: © worthless ay how something is * cowardly * homely -ment state of being; act of © enjoyment * excitement -ness state of; condition of |_| * sadness © frankness ious | having qualities of © dangerous + venomous * righteous © hideous | © ambitious | * cautious “ous; -eous; more than one Ve trees * trains * beaches ‘+ mangoes | characterised by * cloudy © noisy Source: Adapted from ‘Root Words, Roots and Affixes', Readingrockets.org.CHAPTER 2 strategies to Determine the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words Bl 2 test @ Choose the meaning of the words or numbers underlined in the sentences using context clues. 1 Nowadays, almost every electronic appliance is equipped with Internet connection. The iene is truly ubiquitous, everywhere B_ expensive C great D_ fast 2 Jane is a voracious reader. At present, she has about 1,000 books in her collection A cautious B greedy © solid David 3. Lamy is known for his eccentric habits. All the other students in college stay away from him. A. good B_ messy © strange D_ excellent 4 Kate is frugal in her spending, as she is the {ole breadwinneMpf her family. A wasteful 7 B_ modest C careful D lavish ©) 5 He expected his business licence to be renewed, but it was revoked instead. cancelled B_ validated C extended D accepted 6 For farmers working in cotton farms, removing the seeds from cotton plants was a slow and tedious job until Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. Whgt is a cotton gin? DA type of cloth B Amachine © Adrink D AnironRy. 52. ontop Renting Sil mes and Charles ae having a dispute over who should complete the task Biven by tg, supervisor. They cannot see eye to eye on the matter. H disagreement B_ conversation compromise D_ agreement 8 Researchers have found that our intelligence can rise or fall over time and is no Jonge, static as what we used to believe. ‘What does the word ‘static’ mean? PF vochanging % moving © active D stable Q 9. In 1985, the Governor of New York agreed to reduce taxes for low-wage earners, but it was not until 1995 that the bill was passed. It took him a decade to fulfil his promise. A decade is _ A 100 years B 50 years ©, 30 years IV Wears 10 Hapnah is an introvert. She sat in the corner and did not speak to anyone at the party shy joyful unhappy D_ gregarious 11 A new alarm system was installed to prevent intruders from breaking into John's house A. visitors B relatives © colleagues D wespassers 12. No one likes to befriend a hostile person, A tich B cheerful unfriendly ‘D_ good-looking 15 i owe bum les fossil fuel, we are likely o conserve more energy A increase B_ spend C waste saveCHAPTER 2 Strategies to Determine the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words 33 « 14 He was so ravenous that he could eat a horse hungry oe thirsty C obese D_ upset 15 After the 12-hour drive to Mexico, they were all fatigued. N they w y were all fai x tired glad test @ Add either a prefix, suffix or both to each root word provided in the brackets. An example has been done for you. Ex. The lawyer (Law) argued the case in front ofthe Supreme Court. 1 Mary was siting _e2tfeetable (comfort in her seat on the bus 2 He was acting ina very A#9FH (cya) manner. 3 The team that he supported won the —__ chempionship (champion) 4 could not find any Wweakoess (weak) in his theory. 5 George wants to be a__ molberalica® (mathematics) when he grows up. 6 There were only a____ herding (hana) of people at the wedding reception. 7 Sue arrived late to school because she had__skeP__(sleep). 8 she looked at her__refetefoero _(eftect in the mirror. 9) Mum had no indeafion (intend) of seeing her estranged brother. 10 Failing the driving test was a great _ —_eppsinleed (appoint) for him. 11 The foreign film was __Swepeisitg__ (surprise) good. 12. The textile company has over 300 __ __ampleyed (employ) 13 The rate of ________—_ (employ) in the United States has been rising steadily 14 Lthink that there has been a—__misyndees}9AF (yn gerstand), | didnot request for this product. _KOPE __(scope) to see them. 15 Bacteria are so minuscule that you need a