Exam review: context clues and strategies

• The document provides a review of key concepts for an exam

Context Clues (Vocabulary Building)

• Definition/Explanation Clue: The sentence explains the word's meaning.
• Archaeology, the study of ancient cultures, helps us understand the past.
• Synonym Clue: A similar word is used to define the term.
• She was elated, or extremely happy, after winning the contest.
• Antonym Clue: A word with the opposite meaning is provided.
• Unlike his gregarious sister, Mark is quite shy and introverted.
• Example Clue: Examples explain the word.
• Celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, can be seen in the night sky.
• Inference Clue: The meaning is implied rather than stated outright.
• After a day without food, she felt famished and weak.

Multiple Choice Strategy

• Read each question carefully.
• Eliminate incorrect choices.
• Note keywords in the question.
• Use context clues when appropriate.
• Beware of absolute words like always, never, all, none
• Pick the best answer, even if you are not 100% sure

Locating Thesis Statements

• A thesis statement is the central idea or main argument of a paper.
• Thesis statements are usually in the introduction or conclusion.
• A thesis statement answers: What is the author trying to prove?
• Look for a sentence expressing the main idea.
• The thesis is often followed by supporting points or evidence.
• Avoid general statements and background information.

Summarizing and Outlining

• Summarizing: create a concise version of a text with only key points.
• Avoid opinions and retain only the main ideas.
• Use your own words while preserving the original meaning.
• Outlining involves organizing main ideas and supporting details.
• A common format includes main ideas (I, II) with supporting details (A, B).

Types of Academic Papers

• Research Paper: Investigates a topic using evidence and analysis.
• Essay: A short written work presenting an argument or analysis.
• Case Study: A detailed analysis of a specific person, group, or situation.
• Literature Review: Summarizes past research on a topic critically.
• Report: Presents data and findings in a structured format.
• Thesis/Dissertation: A long academic paper required for a degree.

Literary Criticism

• Formalism focuses on the structure, language, and form instead of the context
• Formalism analyzes imagery, symbolism, and meter
• Marxism examines literature through class struggle and economic power.
• Marxism analyzes how wealth, power, and social class influence a text.
• Reading Response offers a personal interpretation based on the reader’s experiences and emotions.
• Questions to be answered by the reader: How does the text make you feel? What personal connections can you make?
• Feminism studies literature in terms of gender roles and representation.
• Feminism examines women’s roles, stereotypes, and patriarchal structures in a text.

This document reviews how to use context clues for vocabulary building, including definition, synonym, antonym, and inference clues. It also outlines strategies for answering multiple choice questions effectively. Strategies include eliminating choices, noting keywords and using context clues.