How many did you get right from Exercise 1?
Language Focus
Now you will learn how to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words or new words by looking around the words to find clues. These clues will help you to find their meanings; then you will better understand what you are reading. There are many ways to help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context. Read the explanation below and study the examples.
1. Definition
A definition gives the meaning of words. The writer may use words, phrases, or statements to define something. The writer will use key words, or signal words to identify a definition so you need to look for them. See examples of key words below.
Key words
is/are means/mean
is/are called what this means is
is/are known as consist of
is/are defined as refer to
is/are described as may be seen as
e.g.
1. Inflation is a rise in the general level of prices you pay for things you buy.
an unfamiliar word = inflation
signal word = is
the definition = a rise in the general level of prices you pay for everything you buy.
2. Someone who explores and studies caves is known as a spelunker.
an unfamiliar word = spelunker
signal words = is known as
definition = someone who explores and studies caves
Exercise 2 Use signal words as your clues to find the meaning of the underlined words. Circle signal words and write their meaning in the space provided.
1. The encyclopedia defines astrology as “the ancient art or science of divining the fate and future of human beings from indications given by the positions of stars and other heavenly bodies.”
astrology means______________________________________
2. Sales literature means printed matters that contain information on the goods.
Sales literature means_________________________________
3. The part at the back of the car used for holding luggage is called the car boot in United Kingdom, whereas Americans would refer to this as the car’s trunk.
car boot means______________________________________
2. Restatement
The writer may use other words, phrases, or sentences to provide the meaning of difficult words. We call this restatement; the writer describes it again or in a different way. Signal words for restatement are in the “Key words box” below.