What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

How to Use Context Clues to Understand Unknown Words

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Smruti Das

2 min read

Updated On January 03, 2025

"Explore practical tips and strategies for using context clues to enhance your reading comprehension and vocabulary skills."

Key Highlights

Overview of Context Clues
Types of Context Clues
How to Identify Context Clues to Understand Unknown Words?
Practical Tips for Using Context Clues to Understand Unknown Words

Encountering unfamiliar words while reading can be intimidating, especially for language learners. However, using context clues is an effective strategy for determining the meaning of unknown words. Context clues are hints or information provided in the text that can assist readers in determining the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. This blog will look at different types of context clues, how to recognise them, and practical tips for using them effectively.

Overview of Context Clues

Context clues are words, phrases, or sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word that provide insight into its meaning. By paying attention to these clues, readers can enhance their comprehension and vocabulary skills without constantly referring to a dictionary.

Types of Context Clues

Understanding the different types of context clues can help you become more adept at inferring meanings. Below is a table summarising the main types of context clues.

Type of Context Clue	Description	Example
Definition Clue	The unfamiliar word is directly defined in the text.	The arboreal animal, a creature that lives in trees, is often seen in forests.
Synonym Clue	A synonym or similar word is used in the same sentence.	The arduous task was very difficult and time-consuming.
Antonym Clue	An antonym or contrasting word is provided.	Unlike her gregarious brother, she was quite reserved.
Example Clue	Examples are given to clarify the meaning.	Many fruits are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and kiwis.
Inference Clue	The reader must infer meaning from the overall context.	The storm caused a catastrophe, leaving many homes destroyed.

How to Identify Context Clues to Understand Unknown Words?

Identifying context clues involves careful reading and observation. Here are some strategies to help you recognise context clues effectively:

Look for Definitions: Pay attention to sentences that define or explain the unfamiliar word directly.
Notice Synonyms and Antonyms: Watch for words that have similar or opposite meanings nearby, which can provide hints about the unknown word.
Identify Examples: Look for examples that illustrate the unfamiliar term; they often follow phrases like "for example" or "such as."
Consider Overall Meaning: Sometimes, you may need to consider the overall theme or message of the paragraph to infer the meaning of an unknown word.

Practical Tips for Using Context Clues to Understand Unknown Words

Using context clues effectively requires practice and awareness. Here are some practical tips to enhance your ability to understand unknown words through context:

Engage with the text by asking questions and making predictions about unfamiliar words.
As you read, underline or highlight words and phrases that provide context for unknown vocabulary.
Try rephrasing sentences in your own words after identifying context clues to reinforce understanding.
Read various materials—books, articles, essays—to expose yourself to different writing styles and vocabulary.
When writing your own texts, incorporate context clues for your readers to help them understand new terms.

Using context clues is an effective strategy for comprehending unfamiliar words while reading. You can improve your vocabulary comprehension and read more confidently by recognising various types of context clues and using practical techniques. With practice, you'll notice that deciphering unfamiliar words becomes easier and more intuitive.

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