Guessing Meaning from Context

What are we learning today?

You will understand a short conversation. You will use the situation and the key words to guess the meaning.

Explanation

Context means the situation around the words. Ask yourself four questions.

1. Who is speaking?
2. Where are they?
3. What are the key words?
4. What could the new word mean?

Do not translate every word. Do not stop at a word you do not know.

Examples

1. Sorry, can you repeat that please? - You did not hear. You ask again.
2. Hi, it's Raj. Can I call you back? - This is a phone call.
3. Giraffes are very tall. - The topic is zoo animals.

Remember!

• Look at the situation first.
• Key words give clues.
• Find the main idea.

Check yourself

1. What does "Can you repeat that please?" mean?
2. What is the situation in "Hi, it's Raj. Can I call you back?"
3. "Giraffes are very tall." What is the topic?