Using context clues
When you meet a word you don’t know, the words and sentences around it (the context) usually give you clues.
| Clue type | Example |
|---|---|
| Explanation nearby | They were drenched, and Ruairí peeled off his soaking socks. (drenched = very wet) |
| Opposite nearby | The sky was calm, but then ferocious winds arrived. (ferocious = the opposite of calm) |
| Word parts | reread = read again · unhappy = not happy · careless = without care |
The swap test
- Reread the whole sentence.
- Swap each answer option into the sentence in place of the word.
- Choose the one that still makes sense and keeps the same meaning.
Watch out! Don’t pick an answer just because it looks or sounds like the word. Always check it fits the sentence.
Top tip: decide whether the word feels positive or negative first. That often rules out half the options.
📖 The Storm
1The storm arrived without warning. One moment the sky over Strangford Lough was calm and blue; the next, ferocious winds were whipping the water into white-capped waves.
2Ruairí and his grandad hurried along the shore, heads bowed against the rain. Leaves and twigs hurtled past them, and the old fishing boats tugged at their ropes as if they were desperate to escape.
3By the time they reached the cottage, they were drenched from head to toe. Grandad lit the fire while Ruairí peeled off his soaking socks. Outside, the wind battered the windows, and the chimney moaned like a creature in pain.
4Ruairí was reluctant to go to bed while the storm raged, so Grandad told him stories until his eyes grew heavy. Near midnight the wind finally dropped. Through the window, Ruairí saw the first faint glimmer of the moon on the calm water.