Grade 4 Context Clues Worksheet
Use advanced context clue strategies to understand complex academic vocabulary.
📚 Learning Goals
Students learn to use definition, inference, example, and contrast clues to determine meanings of academic vocabulary in multi-sentence passages.
📖 Definition
Direct explanations
💡 Example
Specific instances
🧠 Inference
Logical deduction
↔️ Contrast
Opposite meanings
Exercise 1
Definition CluePhotosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. This amazing ability allows plants to produce the energy they need to grow.
What is photosynthesis?
Exercise 2
Inference ClueThe scientist meticulously recorded every detail of the experiment. She checked her measurements three times and wrote careful notes about each step.
What does "meticulously" mean?
Exercise 3
Example ClueMammals, such as dogs, cats, whales, and humans, all have hair or fur at some point in their lives and feed milk to their young.
What are characteristics of mammals?
Exercise 4
Contrast ClueUnlike her timid brother who was afraid to speak up, Maria was bold and confident when expressing her opinions.
What does "bold" mean?
Exercise 5
Inference ClueThe abandoned house had been vacant for years. No one had lived there, and the windows were boarded up.
What does "vacant" mean?
Exercise 6
Academic ClueThe erosion of the hillside was caused by heavy rains washing away the soil. Over time, this gradual wearing away created deep gullies in the land.
What is erosion?
Advanced Context Clue Strategies
📖 Definition Clues
Look for direct definitions in the same or nearby sentences
💡 Example Clues
Use specific examples to understand general terms
🧠 Inference Clues
Combine information from multiple sentences to figure out meaning
↔️ Contrast Clues
Look for words like "unlike," "but," or "however" that show opposites