teaching resource

Using Context Clues to Determine Word Meaning Worksheet

  • Updated

    Updated:  24 Feb 2025

Practise 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
  • Years

    Years:  5 - 6

Curriculum

  • VC2E5LY04

    Build and spell new words from knowledge of known words, base words, prefixes and suffixes, word origins (etymology), letter patterns and spelling generalisations <ul> <li>using knowledge of known words and base words to spell new words, for example the spelling and meaning connections between ‘vision’, ‘television’ and ‘revision’</li> <li>applying knowledge of spelling generalisations to spell new words, for example ‘suitable’, ‘likeable’ and ‘collapsible’</li> </ul>

  • VC2E6LY04

    Use their knowledge of known words, base words, prefixes, suffixes, letter patterns, spelling generalisations and word origins (etymology), including some Latin and Greek roots, to spell new words, including technical words <ul> <li>using a dictionary to explore word origins, including some Greek roots, in order to spell words; for example, the Greek root ‘ath’ meaning ‘contest’ or ‘outstanding skill’, ‘pent’ meaning the number 5 and ‘dec’ meaning the number 10 inform the spelling and meaning of the words ‘athlete’, ‘pentathlon’ and ‘decathlon’</li> <li>applying accumulated knowledge of a wide range of letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words, for example ‘ratio’ and ‘synthesis’</li> <li>expanding knowledge of prefixes and suffixes, and exploring meaning relationships between words, for example ‘disappearance’, ‘submarine’, ‘subterranean’, ‘poisonous’ and ‘nervous’</li> <li>applying accumulated knowledge of a wide range of letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words; for example, knowing how and why these words are spelt as follows: ‘reliability’, ‘handkerchief’, ‘receive’, ‘lollies’, ‘trolleys’, ‘climbing’, ‘designed’ and ‘emergency’</li> <li>spelling technical words by applying morphemic knowledge, for example ‘metaphorical’, ‘biology’ and ‘biodegradable’</li> </ul>

  • Using Context Clues to Determine Word Meaning Worksheet teaching resource
teaching resource

Using Context Clues to Determine Word Meaning Worksheet

  • Updated

    Updated:  24 Feb 2025

Practise 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
  • Years

    Years:  5 - 6

Practise 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.

Learning Vocabulary in Context Worksheet Scaffolding and Extension Tips 

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

  • Reading centre 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. 

Print & Start Using Context Clues to Determine Word Meaning

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 Your Context Clue Worksheets

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 Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Curriculum

  • VC2E5LY04

    Build and spell new words from knowledge of known words, base words, prefixes and suffixes, word origins (etymology), letter patterns and spelling generalisations <ul> <li>using knowledge of known words and base words to spell new words, for example the spelling and meaning connections between ‘vision’, ‘television’ and ‘revision’</li> <li>applying knowledge of spelling generalisations to spell new words, for example ‘suitable’, ‘likeable’ and ‘collapsible’</li> </ul>

  • VC2E6LY04

    Use their knowledge of known words, base words, prefixes, suffixes, letter patterns, spelling generalisations and word origins (etymology), including some Latin and Greek roots, to spell new words, including technical words <ul> <li>using a dictionary to explore word origins, including some Greek roots, in order to spell words; for example, the Greek root ‘ath’ meaning ‘contest’ or ‘outstanding skill’, ‘pent’ meaning the number 5 and ‘dec’ meaning the number 10 inform the spelling and meaning of the words ‘athlete’, ‘pentathlon’ and ‘decathlon’</li> <li>applying accumulated knowledge of a wide range of letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words, for example ‘ratio’ and ‘synthesis’</li> <li>expanding knowledge of prefixes and suffixes, and exploring meaning relationships between words, for example ‘disappearance’, ‘submarine’, ‘subterranean’, ‘poisonous’ and ‘nervous’</li> <li>applying accumulated knowledge of a wide range of letter patterns and spelling generalisations to spell new words; for example, knowing how and why these words are spelt as follows: ‘reliability’, ‘handkerchief’, ‘receive’, ‘lollies’, ‘trolleys’, ‘climbing’, ‘designed’ and ‘emergency’</li> <li>spelling technical words by applying morphemic knowledge, for example ‘metaphorical’, ‘biology’ and ‘biodegradable’</li> </ul>

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