🔍 Part 1: Finding Context Clues

WALT: Use context clues to infer meanings of unfamiliar words

Read each passage and use context clues to work out the meaning of the highlighted word.

1. "The ancient pōhutukawa tree stood majestically on the cliff, its red flowers blooming brightly in December, making it a perfect symbol of a New Zealand summer Christmas."

What is a pōhutukawa? _________________________________

2. "Jake felt quite famished after the 5-kilometre walk. He immediately headed to the kitchen to find something to eat."

What does famished mean? _________________________________

3. "The torrential rain flooded the streets within minutes. Cars couldn't drive through the deep water, and people ran for shelter."

What type of rain is torrential? _________________________________

4. "Sarah was known for her tenacity - she never gave up on difficult maths problems and always kept trying until she found the solution."

What does tenacity mean? _________________________________

💭 Part 2: Context Clue Types

5. Match each context clue type with its example. Draw lines to connect them.

Definition Clue

Example Clue

Synonym Clue

Antonym Clue

"Unlike her usually calm brother, Maria was agitated."

"The dwelling, or house, was very old."

"She was elated, absolutely delighted with her results."

"Reptiles such as lizards and snakes are cold-blooded."

6. Choose the best meaning for the word in bold using context clues:

"The kaumātua shared his mātauranga with the young people, passing on traditional knowledge and wisdom that had been in his whānau for generations."

a) Food and recipes

b) Traditional knowledge and wisdom

c) Money and possessions

d) Songs and dances

✏️ Part 3: Using New Vocabulary

7. Choose THREE words from today's passages and write your own sentences using context clues to help explain their meanings.

Word 1: ___________________

Word 2: ___________________

Word 3: ___________________

8. Extension Challenge: Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about your weekend that includes at least TWO unfamiliar words. Make sure you provide enough context clues so a reader could understand the meanings.

Success Criteria - Tick when you can do this:

☐ I can identify unfamiliar words in texts

☐ I can use sentence clues to figure out word meanings

☐ I can explain new word meanings using examples

☐ I can use new vocabulary correctly in sentences