Using Graphics to Understand Unknown Words

CentralProcessing

Unit

Abbreviation is CPU

Directs flowOf information

Does the math performed by the computer

Also calledThe

processor

For example, you may be reading a math selection about computers.

To understand what you are reading,

you need to understand what the words Central Processing Unit mean.

First, preview the selection. As you preview, look for information about the words.

Look for photos, captions, charts, or other illustrations. Here is an example of a word map

about a computer’s Central Processing Unit:

The reader who made this word map

knows that the Central Processing Unit

of a computer direct the flow of

information into and through the

computer, that it does the math

performed by the computer, and that it

may also be referred to as the CPU or

processor.

Now he or she can read with greater

understanding

1. Direction Words

~ Describe – create a clear picture

~ Explain – give facts or reasons

~ List – mention or give example

~ Compare – show similarities

~ Contrast – show differences

~ Illustrate – give examples

~ Summarize – state important

point

~ Discuss – present ideas about a topic

~ Analyze – explain in depth how thing

are related to one another

~ Identify – place a person or event

in time

~ Define – give the meaning of

~ Look at the word around the one you don’t know.

~ Look for all the time the word is used.

When plants and animal die, they decompose. Bacteria and fungi eat them. As the plants and animal decompose, or break down into smaller parts, the decay frees nutrients that make soil rich. The nutrients will help the plants grow, completing the food chain.

Do you see the meaning of decompose?

3. Context Clues : part II

A. Definitions, restatements, and synonyms

Definition : She studied astronomy, which is study of the

stars, the planets, and the universe.

Restatement : The scientist made a hypothesis, or educated

guess, before beginning his experiment.

Synonym : Don was feeling elated , so delighted, by the

grade he got,

B. Meaning through example

Example may be shown by words such as :

~ for instance,

~ for example, and

~ such as

The scientist found different amulets, such as a rabbit’s foot and bag of herbs, near the ancient altar.

Do you see the meaning of amulets?

C. Comparisons and Contrasts

Comparison : Marge was prompt, and because everyone else

was on time, too, the meeting started at 8 A.M.

Contrast : You may be a hypocrite, but the rest of people

showed that they believed what they said they

believed.

4. Using Related Words to Find Meaning

When you complete that questionnaire, don’t forget to use a pencil to fill in your answer

~ “Questionnaire” is related with the word “question”

~ Knowing that word and look at the sentence, you can

figure out that questionnaire means “ a paper that has

some questions to answer”

Genetics is one of the most interesting subjects you can learn about.

~ Genetic is based on a root word you may know : gene

(that has something to do with the kinds of things a person

is born with)

~ Genetics is the study of the kinds of characteristics are born

with.

5. Signal Words

A. Words that give you steps

~ Some of these word are number words, such as first,

second, and last

~ before and then

First, put the sugar and the water in the pan. Second, turn

up the heat to high. Next, cook until the mixture bubbles. Finally,

let it cool.

B. Words that tell you what is coming next

~ therefore or in conclusion

Let me restate this point. No one is sure what this drug will

do. Therefore, I will not approve it. In conclusion, I must say that

no one should ever take this unsafe drug.

6. Prefixes and Suffixes

Prefixes Meaning Examples

non -, in -, im -, il -, ir-

not Non fiction means “not fiction”Illegal means “not legal”

de -, dis - Away from orThe opposite of

Disapprove means “the opposite of approve”

re- again Regain means “to again and again”

pre - , fore - Before orAhead of time

Preview means”to see before”

trans - Across orTo the other side of

Transoceanic means “across the ocean”

Suffixes Meaning Examples

- less without Clueless means “without a clue”

- full, - ous Full of Thankful means “full of thanks”

- er, - or, - ist A person or thingThat does something

A tourist is “a person who tours”

- able, - ible Can or able to be Adaptable means “able to adapt”

- ship, - ment,- ness, - hood

The state of or the condition of orThe act orProcess of

Parenthood “means the state of being a parent”

Any Questions?