Which first step should readers take when they encounter an unfamiliar word?

1. Replace the unfamiliar word with a familiar word.
2. Find a synonym for the word in a thesaurus
3. Use context clues near the word
4. Look up the word in a dictionary

3. Use context clues near the word

The first step readers should take when they encounter an unfamiliar word is to use context clues near the word.

The first step that readers should take when they encounter an unfamiliar word is to use context clues near the word. Here's how you can do it:

1. Read the surrounding sentences and paragraphs to gather information about the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
2. Look for any clues such as definitions, examples, or comparisons that help you understand the word's meaning.
3. Pay attention to words or phrases that provide additional information or define the unfamiliar word.
4. Consider the tone, mood, or atmosphere of the text, as they can give you insights into the word's meaning.

Using context clues is a great way to infer the meaning of a word in its particular context. It allows you to make educated guesses based on the information provided by the author. If you're still unsure about the word's meaning after using context clues, then you can move on to other methods such as looking up the word in a dictionary or finding a synonym in a thesaurus.