Context Clues Task Cards: 32 Practice Passages for 4th and 5th Grade

Context Clues Task Cards: This set of 32 task cards is designed to give your upper elementary students an opportunity to practice using context clues to decipher the meaning of an unknown word. Each task card consists of a sentence with an underlined word and four multiple-choice options. Some of the underlined words are: disdain, punctual, angler, herald, voucher, secluded, scarce, commence, and toil.

The directions on each of the 32 task cards are always the same. They say: Use context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word. Therefore, students will complete the following steps as they work through each task card:

1. They will read the sentence in the middle of the task card and consider the meaning of the underlined word.
2. They will look for context clues within the sentence and then read their four answer choices. Each answer choice lists a possible definition for the underlined word.
3. They select their answer and record it on their answer sheet.

Like most of my task card sets, I have included a bonus game-like answer sheet in addition to the more traditional recording sheet. For the game-like answer sheet, students record their answers on a themed worksheet that asks "Which detective will use the clues to solve the case first?" Once they have recorded all their answers, students tally their A, B, C, and D answers to reveal the winning detective!

Many teachers report posting the task cards around the room to give their students an opportunity to get up and walk around the room. Others say that they use these as a whole class formative activity where they place a task card under their doc cam, and then have students write their chosen answer on whiteboards. Both activities provide an engaging alternative to a traditional worksheet activity!

********This resource is available in three formats:

1. Traditional Printables- Print the PDF and distribute paper task cards and recording sheets.
2. Easel Activity- With this digital format, there is one task card per slide. Students can complete this activity on a device. Students read each sentence and identify the meaning of the underlined word. This has a multiple-choice format, and students click on the magnifying glass beside the correct answer. No checking is necessary! When your students turn it in, you will see their score and the number of attempts they made on each card.
3. Easel Assessment- Students complete this self-grading quiz on a device, as well. After reading each sentence, students select the correct definition for the underlined word from a list of four possible answer choices. With this option, the teacher chooses whether or not his or her students receive immediate feedback.

***If you would like to have a Google Slides and/or Google Forms version of this activity, click on these links to access the digital version or the bundle.

Here's what teachers like you had to say about using these task cards with their students:

⭐️ Allison R. said, "I used these task cards to help review context clues with students. These cards allowed the students to practice reading and using their context clues. It gave them practice with new words and helped increase their vocabulary. The students were engaged and asked several times if they were able to work on completing them!"

⭐️ Deborah H. said, "These context clue task cards are great! I have been using them with small groups, and the cards have led to great discussions about the different ways that context clues are presented. Excellent resource that is so easy to use!"

⭐️ Mary W. said, "I used this for tutoring with a 4th-grade student. She thoroughly enjoyed using the context clues to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words and them apply them to the scenario. Having a mystery to solve, made the activity so much fun!"

⭐️ Tamara M. said, "LOVE these! My students struggle with vocabulary and it's hard to find good materials. These are wonderful practice for students!"

⭐️ Disbrow's Dugout said, "My students definitely need the extra practice with context clues. This was very helpful."

Copyright by Deb Hanson

This item is a paid digital download from my TpT store

www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Deb-Hanson

This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher is prohibited. This item is also bound by copyright laws. Redistributing, editing, selling, or posting this item (or any part thereof) on an Internet site that is not password protected are all strictly prohibited without first gaining permission from the author. Violations are subject to the penalties of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Please contact me if you wish to be granted special permissions!