Reading: Vocabulary in Context
B2 Lesson 1: Deducing Meaning from Clues
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
Understanding these concepts will help you become a word detective.
The 4-Step Deduction Process
When you find a new word, don't stop! Follow these steps to make an educated guess.
- Read Around It: Read the full sentence with the new word, plus the sentences before and after it.
- Analyze the Context: What is the topic? Is the author's tone positive, negative, or neutral? Look for clues.
- Make an Educated Guess: Based on the clues, what do you think the word or phrase means?
- Substitute & Check: Mentally replace the new word with your guess. Does the sentence still make logical sense?
Practice Deducing from a Text
Let's analyze this paragraph about changes in Kampot and deduce the meaning of the highlighted phrases.
Many long-term residents of Kampot have mixed feelings about the town's rapid development. On one hand, new construction brings economic opportunities. On the other hand, some feel the town is losing its unique, tranquil character. The constant noise from construction sites often gets on their nerves. An old shopkeeper, who has lived here for fifty years, said, "I understand progress is necessary, but I hope the changes are gradual, not sudden. We must be careful not to lose the quintessential charm of Kampot—its sleepy, riverside atmosphere—forever."
Deduction Analysis
Context Clue: The phrase is linked to "constant noise from construction sites." Constant noise is usually negative and annoying.
Deduction: This idiom means to annoy or irritate someone.
Context Clue: The author contrasts it with its opposite: "not sudden."
Deduction: The opposite of sudden is slow or happening over time. "Gradual" means happening slowly and steadily.
Context Clue: The author gives a perfect example right after: "—its sleepy, riverside atmosphere."
Deduction: The sleepy atmosphere is the most typical and perfect example of Kampot's charm. "Quintessential" means representing the most perfect or typical example of something.
Practice Your Detective Skills 🎯
Quiz: Deduce the Meaning
1. My friend said the chili was only a little spicy, but when I took a bite, it felt like an inferno in my mouth and I immediately needed water. What does "inferno" likely mean?
- A. A delicious, sweet taste.
- B. A large, intense, and painful fire.
- C. A very cold feeling.
→ Answer: B. The context of spicy chili and needing water are clues for something intensely hot, like a fire.
2. The final exam was extremely difficult. My friend, however, was as cool as a cucumber and finished early. What does "as cool as a cucumber" mean?
- A. He was very nervous and sweating.
- B. His skin felt cold.
- C. He was very calm and not worried.
→ Answer: C. The word "however" signals a contrast with "extremely difficult." The opposite of stressed is calm.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- To Deduce To figure out the meaning of something using logical reasoning and clues.
- Idiomatic Expression A phrase whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words.
- Context The words, sentences, and situation surrounding a word that help to explain its meaning.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Real-World Deduction!
Find an English news article or blog post about a topic that interests you.
- Read until you find one word or idiomatic phrase that you do not know.
- Do not use a dictionary! Copy the full sentence into your notebook.
- Write down your best guess for the meaning of the word/phrase.
- Write down the clues from the sentence or paragraph that helped you make your deduction.