Structural Analysis & Context Clues Poster

Knowing various words parts such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help you increase the number of words that you know and understand. Breaking down a word into its parts in order to figure out meaning is called structural analysis. In this poster, you will show structural analysis by drawing the process.

Step 1: Draw a line down the middle of your poster. Label one half, “Structural Analysis” and the other half, “Context Clues.” Define both terms in their appropriate section.

Structural Analysis Section:

Step 1: Pick two roots, two prefixes, and two suffixes from the “Word Analysis List, Grade 6” Sheet.

Step 2: Find each of their meanings in the dictionary or from the sheet itself.

Step 3: Using the dictionary, make examples of how to use and read the chosen roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Do one example for each (just like the one below). This means you will have SIX examples. Here is an example of the root word photo:

Photo=Light

Photograph=Picture

A photograph is a picture made with light.

Be sure to underline the root, prefix, or suffix in each example. You need to clearly illustrate your thought process when figuring out unknown words that have that root, prefix, or suffix. Just write down your how you figure it out in your head! Here is another example, this time with the suffix ish:

ish=having the nature of

childish= like a child

A childish person is one who has the nature of a child.

Context Clues Section

Step 1: Choose four words either from your independent reading novel or from a textbook that you do not know the meaning of. Use context clues provided to figure out the meaning.

Step 2: Use each word in a sentence, providing one of each type of context clue using the four words; i.e. one sentence will have a definition context clue, one will have a synonym clue, etc.

Step 3: Label each type of context clue you’ve provided

Example: word: loathe

Sentence: I loathe lima beans so much, I would rather eat a dirty gym sock than even put one in my

Mouth.

Type of context clue: Gist

Description of My Project: / 1 Minimal / 2 Developing / 3 Adequate / 4 Excellent
I chose three root words, three prefixes, and three suffixes, illustrating them clearly and in color.
I clearly defined each root word, prefix, and suffix.
I gave an example sentence for each root word, prefix, and suffix
I explained how to decipher each word using structural analysis.
I chose four unknown words from a textbook or novel and used context clues to define them.
I used each word in a sentence, with each sentence illustrating a different type of context clue.
I labeled each type of context clue correctly.
I illustrated each sentence’s context clues clearly and in color.
Spelling and grammar is impeccable.
I included the definitions for structural analysis and context clues on my poster.
Holistic Score: