What is the role of context clues in reading comprehension?

Context clues play a crucial role in reading comprehension by aiding readers in inferring the meanings of unknown words. When readers encounter unfamiliar vocabulary, they can look at the surrounding words, phrases, or even the overall situation in the text to derive meanings. This skill is fundamental because it promotes deeper understanding and retention of the material being read, allowing readers to engage with the text more effectively. Context clues might come from synonyms, antonyms, examples, or explanations present in the surrounding text, guiding readers toward an informed guess about unfamiliar terms.

This process encourages active reading practices that enhance vocabulary acquisition and comprehension strategies, ultimately fostering independent reading skills.