Learning to use context clues to discover the meaning of unknown words is an essential reading strategy and vocabulary builder. Identifying context clues in reading is made easier by looking for the key categories of context clues within the context of an effective step-by-step strategy. So, here is the strategy:

When you come to an unknown word, apply the FP BAG SALE strategy steps in the following order until you get a good clue as to the meaning of an unknown word.

The award ends.
See how the word fits into the complete sentence.

Say the word out loud.
Sometimes hearing the word will give you a clue to the meaning.

Syllables-Examine each part of the word.
Word parts can be useful clues to meaning.

Before-Read the sentence before the unknown word.
The sentence above may hint at what the word means.

After reading the award after the unknown word.
The subsequent sentence can define, explain, or provide an example of the word.

Grammar-Determine the part of speech.
Pay attention to where the word is placed in the sentence, the ending of the word, and its grammatical relationship to other familiar words for clues to meaning.

The context clue categories:

Synonym: Sometimes an unknown word is defined by using a synonym.
Synonyms appear in apposition, in which case commas, dashes, or parentheses are used.
The wardrobe, or closet, opened the door to a whole new world.

Antonym: Sometimes an unknown word is defined by using an antonym.
Antonym clues will often use signal words, for example, however, not, but, in contrast
Example: Signaled a looey, not a right turn.

Logic: Your own knowledge about the content and structure of the text can provide clues to the meaning.
Logical clues can lead to a logical guess about the meaning of an unknown word.
Example: He petted the canine and then made her sit up and beg for a bone.

Example: When part of an example list or if the unknown word itself provides an example,
either one provides good clues to meaning. Example tracks will often use transition words, for example, like, for example, like
Example: all the adventurous, rowdy, and crazy pioneers found their way to the west.