Lesson · R.2.2
Working out words from context
How to work out an unfamiliar word from the sentence around it, tell denotation from connotation, and read figurative language as it is meant.
ObjectiveR.2.2Read2 minExam weightCraft and Structure ≈ 23% of Reading
This lesson is part of the full Study Guide
Unlock every lesson, unit, and quiz across all four subjects. The Reading craft and structure unit is included.
See editions and pricing →What you will be able to do
- Use definition, example, and cause-and-effect clues to work out an unfamiliar word's meaning.
- Break an unfamiliar word into its root and affixes when no context clue is nearby.
- Tell a word's denotation from its connotation and recognise figurative language.
What the lesson concludes
- Look first for a built-in definition, example, or cause-and-effect relationship near the unfamiliar word.
- When no nearby clue exists, break the word into its root and affixes.
- Denotation is the literal meaning. Connotation is the feeling the word carries, positive, negative, or neutral.
- Figurative language means something other than its literal words. Check the surrounding sentence before taking a phrase at face value.
- Word choice shapes mood as much as meaning, so notice when an author swaps a neutral word for a loaded one.