Context Clues: Contrast and Example

Use opposite ideas and lists of examples to figure out unfamiliar words.

Sometimes a writer does not define a word but shows what it is not, or gives examples of it. In a contrast clue, the hard word is set against something opposite, using signals like 'but', 'unlike', 'however', 'although', or 'instead of'. 'Unlike his gregarious sister, who loved parties, Leo preferred quiet evenings alone. ' Leo is the opposite of his sister, and she loves parties, so gregarious must mean sociable, fond of company.

In an example clue, the writer lists instances, often using 'such as', 'including', 'for example', or 'like'. 'The museum displayed many artifacts, such as pottery, coins, and arrowheads. ' From the examples, artifacts must be objects made and used by people long ago. To use these clues, find the signal word, identify what is being contrasted or listed, and reason from it. Contrast gives you the opposite; examples give you the category.

• 1Contrast clues show what a word is NOT.
• 2Example clues show instances of the word.
• 3Signals: but, unlike, however; such as, including.