• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Using context clues). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? The room was so dim that we could hardly see. (dim) (not clean / not warm / not quiet / not bright) → not brightPrompt: Look at the other words in the sentence. What do they tell you?
2. Use context clues. What does the word in brackets most likely mean? The mayor's speech was laconic: just two sentences long. (laconic) (extremely long / full of jokes / using few words / very rude) → using few wordsPrompt: Look for signal words: unlike, despite, so…that, a colon or dash that explains.
3. Use the clues in the sentence. What does the word in brackets mean? Dad was furious when the window was smashed; his face went red and he shouted. (furious) (very proud / very calm / very angry / very sad) → very angryPrompt: Look at the other words in the sentence. What do they tell you?

• Show an interesting word in a sentence and ask what it might mean from the clues around it.
• Share the objective: Context clues: definitions and restatements. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Use the context clue to choose the meaning of the word in capitals. The hikers were FAMISHED — extremely hungry — after the six-hour climb.
• Step 1: Writers often define or restate a hard word right beside it, using commas, dashes, brackets or phrases like 'or', 'that is' and 'which means'.
• Step 2: So the answer is: extremely hungry
• Answer: extremely hungry
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Use the context clue to choose the meaning of the word in capitals. The forecast warns of a DELUGE, a sudden heavy flood of rain. (a strong wind / a heavy downpour / a light drizzle / a dry spell) → a heavy downpourPrompt: Look for a clue right next to the word: commas, dashes, brackets, 'or', 'that is', 'which means'.
2. Which part of the sentence is the context clue that explains the word in capitals? A CONIFER is a tree that produces cones and usually keeps its needles all year. (a tree that produces cones and usually keeps its needles all year / all year / A CONIFER is / usually) → a tree that produces cones and usually keeps its needles all yearPrompt: Look for a clue right next to the word: commas, dashes, brackets, 'or', 'that is', 'which means'.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Which part of the sentence is the context clue that explains the word in capitals? The ruins were full of ARTEFACTS, or objects made by people long ago. (long ago / or objects made by people long ago / The ruins / were full of) → or objects made by people long agoPrompt: Look for a clue right next to the word: commas, dashes, brackets, 'or', 'that is', 'which means'.
2. Use the context clue to choose the meaning of the word in capitals. The council plans to RENOVATE the old library by repairing and updating it. (close permanently / repair and modernise / move elsewhere / knock down) → repair and modernisePrompt: Look for a clue right next to the word: commas, dashes, brackets, 'or', 'that is', 'which means'.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-6.