STAAR Grade 6 Reading Language Arts

Context clues are hints within a sentence or passage that help readers determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. Mastering context clues is essential for the STAAR Grade 6 RLA test because many vocabulary questions ask what a word means as it is used in the passage. The online test does include a dictionary tool, but a dictionary lists several meanings; context clues tell you which meaning the author intended, and they are usually the faster route to the answer.

Definition Clues: The author directly defines the word within the sentence. Signal words include "is," "means," "refers to," and "is called."

The word "artifact" is directly defined as "an object made by humans in the past."

Synonym Clues: The author uses a word with a similar meaning nearby. Signal words include "or," "also known as," "like," and "similarly."

The word "irate" means "extremely angry" as indicated by the synonym.

Antonym Clues: The author uses a word with an opposite meaning. Signal words include "but," "however," "unlike," "instead," and "on the other hand."

The word "audacious" is the opposite of "timid," meaning bold or daring.

Example Clues: The author provides examples that illustrate the word's meaning. Signal words include "for example," "such as," "including," and "like."

The examples reveal that "nocturnal" means active at night.

Inference Clues: The author provides general information that allows readers to infer meaning through logic and reasoning.

Readers can infer that "elated" means very happy based on the positive situation described.