Historical context isn’t the only type of context that can help you understand a story. You can also use context (other informat
ion nearby) to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words. Read the passage below and answer the question. They persuaded me at the clinic to send her away to a convalescent home in the country where “she can have the kind of food and care you can’t manage for her, and you’ll be free to concentrate on the new baby.” They still send children to that place.
Using the surrounding context clues, what is the meaning of the words “convalescent home”?
rural orphanage
halfway house for wayward youth
temporary care for those recovering from illness
country resort for poor people
While convalescent homes are sometimes associated with retirement homes for the elderly, in this passage the place is described as a place in the country to send children that are too costly to support at home.
Several of the clues that the passage gives us are the mention of the new baby, the care and managing factor that is characteristic of parental responsibility, and the closing statement that it is still a place where children are sent.
