Which first step should readers take when they encounter an unfamiliar word?(1 point)
When readers encounter an unfamiliar word, the first step they should take is to try to determine its meaning based on the context of the sentence or paragraph. This involves looking at the surrounding words, phrases, and sentences to see if there are any clues that can help understand the unknown word.
Here's how you can do it:
1. Read the sentence: Start by reading the entire sentence in which the unfamiliar word appears. Try to get a sense of the overall meaning and see if there are any clues about the unknown word's meaning.
2. Look for nearby words: Pay attention to the words that come before and after the unfamiliar word. Sometimes, these words can provide hints about its meaning. For example, if you encounter the phrase "He completed the arduous task," you can infer that "arduous" means difficult or challenging.
3. Analyze the word's root or affixes: Break down the unfamiliar word into its parts. Look for familiar prefixes, suffixes, or root words that you may already know. This can help you deduce the word's meaning. For instance, if you come across the word "unhappiness," you can recognize that the prefix "un-" means not, and "happiness" means a state of joy or contentment. Therefore, "unhappiness" would mean the opposite of happiness.
4. Use context clues: Consider the overall tone, subject matter, and style of the passage. This can provide additional context that aids in understanding the unknown word. For example, if you're reading a scientific article about the solar system and encounter the word "orbit," you can infer that it refers to the path of a planet or celestial object around the sun.
5. Consult a dictionary: If you've tried the previous steps and still can't determine the meaning of the unfamiliar word, it may be necessary to consult a dictionary. Look up the word to get its definition, pronunciation, and usage examples.
It's important to note that these steps are not necessarily linear, and you may need to revisit and combine them as you work towards understanding the unknown word. By following this process, readers can enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills.