Which first step should readers take when they encounter an unfamiliar word?(1 point)
Responses
Use context clues near the word.
Use context clues near the word.
Find a synonym for the word in a thesaurus.
Find a synonym for the word in a thesaurus.
Replace the unfamiliar word with a familiar word.
Replace the unfamiliar word with a familiar word.
Look up the word in a dictionary.
Look up the word in a dictionary.
The first step that 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. This means looking at the words and sentences surrounding the unfamiliar word to see if there are any hints or clues about its meaning. By analyzing the context, readers can often get a sense of what the word might mean without needing to consult external sources.
Context clues can include:
- Synonyms or antonyms: If there are words nearby that have similar or opposite meanings, they can provide insight into the meaning of the unfamiliar word.
- Definitions or explanations: Sometimes, the text itself may provide a definition or explanation of the unfamiliar word, either directly or indirectly.
- Examples or comparisons: The use of examples or comparisons can help readers infer the meaning of the unfamiliar word based on how it is being used in relation to other things.
Using context clues is an effective strategy because it allows readers to make an educated guess about the meaning of the word before resorting to other sources. However, if context clues are insufficient or if readers want a more precise definition, they can then move on to looking up the word in a dictionary.