teaching resource

Using Clues to Determine Meaning Worksheet

  • Updated

    Updated:  20 Mar 2023

Practice defining unfamiliar words by looking for context clues within a sentence.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  2 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  2 - 3

Curriculum

teaching resource

Using Clues to Determine Meaning Worksheet

  • Updated

    Updated:  20 Mar 2023

Practice defining unfamiliar words by looking for context clues within a sentence.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  2 Pages

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  2 - 3

Practice defining unfamiliar words by looking for context clues within a sentence.

Use this vocabulary in context worksheet after introducing the concept of context clues to your students. 

Students will read through 5 sentences, looking for clues that help them determine the meaning of the underlined word in each. They will then write the meaning of the underlined word in the space provided, plus the word(s) used to determine its meaning.

Vocabulary in Context Worksheet Scaffolding and Extension Tips 

Use this context clues practice worksheet everywhere your students put their reading skills to work! 

  • Reading center activity
  • Post-lesson exit ticket 
  • Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Got fast finishers? Challenge students who have a grasp on the concept by encouraging them to apply dictionary skills to check their work for each word’s meaning.

Support struggling students by using this worksheet as an intervention activity or with your guided reading group. You can also limit the number of definable words from 5 to 3. 

A Variety of Ways to Prepare This Resource

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.  

You can also turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity! Print a few copies on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.


This resource was created by Anna Rudolph, a teacher in California and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 


Don’t stop there! We’ve got more context clues practice activities we know your students will love:  

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Context Clues Task Cards

Use this set of 20 task cards to help students define new vocabulary words by identifying context clues within sentences.

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Context Detectives Worksheet

A set of 3 worksheets for students to practice using context clues to identify the meaning of a word.

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Find Word Meaning in Context Poster

A poster highlighting how to find word meaning in context when reading a piece of text.

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