What are context clues?

Context clues refer to hints or information provided within a text that help readers derive the meanings of unfamiliar words. These clues can often come from the surrounding sentences or phrases, as they provide indirect evidence about the word's meaning. By using context clues, readers can make educated guesses about new vocabulary based on how the word is used in relation to the other words around it.

This option is the most comprehensive definition of context clues because it emphasizes the idea that the meaning of a new word can often be inferred without needing a direct definition. This skill is essential in enhancing comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, particularly for students who may struggle with new language learning.

In contrast, specific definitions given in the text are not classified as context clues, as they provide explicit meanings rather than inferred meanings. Summaries of paragraphs do not engage with individual words' meanings but rather encapsulate the overall ideas presented, making them separate from the notion of context clues. Synonyms for difficult words might assist in understanding, but they do not serve the purpose of inferring meaning from context clues, which relies on a broader reading of text rather than direct substitution.