Sleuth Slides
Top Secret
WORD SLEUTH
Cracking the Code of Unknown Words
Mission Intelligence
The Definition:
Context Clues are hints found within a sentence or paragraph that help you understand the meaning of a new or difficult word.
"Don't reach for a dictionary until you've checked the crime scene (the sentence) first!"
Every word leaves a trace.
Technique 01
The Direct Clue
Sometimes authors define the word right in the sentence.
Evidence Exhibit A:
"The ornithologist, a scientist who studies birds, walked quietly into the woods."
The definition is separated by commas or dashes.
Technique 02
The Comparison Clue
Synonyms (Same)
Look for words that mean the same thing nearby.
"The puppy was lethargic; he was so tired and sleepy he wouldn't even play."
Antonyms (Opposite)
Look for words that mean the opposite (often after "but" or "however").
"Unlike his gregarious brother, Mark was very shy and kept to himself."
#3
Technique 03
The Example Clue
Authors often provide a list of examples that show you what a word means.
"The museum has many artifacts, such as ancient pottery, old coins, and stone tools."
Case Closed: Use your clues!
MISSION COMPLETE
Sleuth Case File Worksheet
Evidence Report
WORD SLEUTH CASE FILE
Agent:
Date:
Mission Briefing
Detectives, use your context clue strategies to crack the meaning of the underlined words. Identify which clue type was used (Definition, Synonym/Antonym, or Example) and provide your definition.
CASE #001
"The desert was arid; it was so dry and parched that no plants could grow without water."
Clue Type:
What it means:
CASE #002
"The knight was valiant, which means he was very brave even in the face of the dragon."
Clue Type:
What it means:
CASE #003
"He decided to terminate the project, but his boss wanted him to continue working on it."
Clue Type:
What it means:
CASE #004
"The jungle was full of conspicuous animals, like bright red parrots, giant blue butterflies, and spotted leopards."
Clue Type:
What it means:
CLASSIFIED MATERIAL
Sleuth Answer Key Worksheet
Teacher Answer Key
CASE FILE KEY
CASE #001: ARID
Clue Type
Synonym
Hint: "Dry and parched"
Meaning
Extremely dry; having very little rain.
CASE #002: VALIANT
Clue Type
Definition / Restatement
Hint: "Which means he was very brave"
Meaning
Brave, courageous, or heroic.
CASE #003: TERMINATE
Clue Type
Antonym
Hint: "But... continue working on it"
Meaning
To bring to an end or finish; stop.
CASE #004: CONSPICUOUS
Clue Type
Example
Hint: "Bright red parrots, giant blue butterflies..."
Meaning
Easily seen or noticed; standing out.
Teacher Note:
Students may use slightly different wording for their definitions. Credit should be given as long as the student identifies the correct clue type and captures the general sense of the word based on the provided text clues.
