5 Context clues
When you come across vocabulary that you don’t know, you can often use clues in the surrounding context to help you figure out the meaning.
While studying a language course, you might work on isolated words and sentences where there is no context to help. Remember that in real life situations though, there will often be plenty of clues to help you understand what somebody is trying to communicate to you, as the next activity will demonstrate.
Activity 7 Looking at context
Observe the situation depicted in each image, and read the sentence of French dialogue, focusing on the word or phrase that is underlined. Use the context to help you select the correct option to complete the translation.
a.
I am very pleased because business is going well.
b.
I am very pleased because the affair is going well.
The correct answer is a.
a.
We’re going to travel by car.
b.
We’re going to travel by coach.
The correct answer is b.
a.
I love going to lectures.
b.
I love reading.
The correct answer is b.
a.
I find cats fascinating.
b.
I find chats fascinating.
The correct answer is a.
a.
I love the the bread in France.
b.
I love the pain in France.
The correct answer is a.
a.
Wow, your t-shirt is terrible, I love it. Where did you buy it?
b.
Wow, your t-shirt is terrific, I love it. Where did you buy it?
The correct answer is b.