Words in Context

In an English Language exam, you may come across questions about words in context. These are multiple-choice questions that ask you to consider the meaning of a word. You can identify them by paying close attention to how the questions are worded. To answer words in context questions, you should look for the circumstances surrounding the passage each question is based on.

Words in Context Meaning

"Words in context" refers to how words change meaning in different circumstances. Words often mean slightly different things depending on their context.

Context sometimes changes the meaning of words. For example, the word "restrain" means different things depending on its context.

What changes the meaning of "restrain" in each of these examples? The circumstances surrounding them!

1. In the first example, the fact that something funny happened made it clear "restrain" means to control emotions.
2. In the second example, the mention of a possible fight indicates "restrain" means to physically hold back.
3. In the third example, the verb "designed" and the reference to international trade made it clear that "restrain" means to limit trade.

When answering questions about words in context, you are really just identifying how the meaning of a word changes based on the circumstances that surround it.

Words in Context Identification

There are two primary types of context: Immediate context and broad context.

Here is how you identify each type of context.

Identifying Immediate Context

Ask yourself some questions.

• What is the situation being described in this passage?
• What is the tone the author takes in this passage?
• What other words in this passage can help me understand how this word is being used?
• What similar words does the author use in this passage?

Identifying Broad Context

Ask yourself some questions.

• When was this passage written or published?
• Where was this passage written or published?
• Who wrote this passage? What do I know about them?
• What type of genre is this passage?
• What do I know about the political, social, or economical situation in which this passage was written?

Fig. 1 - Look out for the big, big picture.

Words in Context Questions

The purpose of words in context questions is to check your understanding of how circumstances can change the meaning of the words or the passage around them. Understanding the effects of context is important for understanding language AND the world around you.

Context changes everything. Everything you read, write, watch, listen to, or do is shaped by context. Think about what it's like to learn about your favorite author. You probably first read their books with an idea of what it meant. However, once you learned more about the author's life and the time period they lived in, this probably changed what their writing meant to you. The context of their writing changed what their writing means.

Words in context questions are great practice for identifying and explaining context. They remind you of how circumstances can change what something means. Identifying context and how it changes meaning is a key feature of critical thinking.

Words in Context Examples

Words in context questions are multiple choice questions. Just like other multiple choice questions, they appear immediately after a reference passage from a story, poem, or essay.

Here is an example of a reference passage in an English Language exam:

Fig. 2 - Example passage.

Words in context questions are based on reference passages. Reference passages have numbered lines so you can easily refer to the correct lines when answering questions about the passage.

Words in context questions include a list of possible word or phrase choices to answer the question. Your job is to select the word or phrase that best answers the question, considering the context of the passage.

How to Answer Words in Context Questions

To answer words in context questions, read the reference passage, identify context clues, predict the answer, and test out each possibility. Follow this 4-step process to effectively answer questions about words in context.

1. Read the Reference Passage

Before looking at the questions, read the reference passage closely. Mark any words, phrases, or sentences that reflect the author's purpose.

2. Identify Context Clues

After reading the passage, take a moment to identify context clues.

Here are some context clues you might identify:

• Words that indicate the author's tone and attitude toward the subject
• Sentences that indicate the genre of the passage.
• Information on the location, time period, or other historical aspects of the passage.
• Information on the author.
• Words and phrases that give you a sense of the author's purpose.

3. Predict the Answer

Don't look at the answer choices at first. Instead, try to make an educated guess. What do you think the right answer might be, without looking at the answer choices? This will help anticipate possible answers.

For example, you might think of a synonym for "compromise." You find your guess isn't in the list of options. However, the synonym you guessed most closely aligns with one of the answer options! You just made things a lot easier on yourself by trying to make an educated guess first.

Fig. 3 - Make educated not random predictions.

4. Test out Each Possibility

Once you have an educated guess, it's time to consider the answer options. Take a moment to try out each answer. For example, if the question asks you to select the best synonym for a word, just replace that word with each answer option. See which one makes the most sense.