What are semantic cues?

What are semantic cues?

Definition
	Semantic cues are hints based on meaning that help readers decode and comprehend a text.

Discussion
	Good readers associate meaning with a sequence of symbols (such as a word).

Examples

Here are some examples of semantic cues, where the meanings of certain words depend on the other words that surround them:

Mary had a little lamb.

Mary had a little lamb, mint sauce, and gravy.

Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow.

Can you run the store?

Can you run in the election?

Can you run in the race?

See also
	Using cues for reading

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Page content last modified: 26 August 1999