Which strategy helps students understand complex texts better?

Using context clues is a highly effective strategy for helping students understand complex texts. Context clues are hints or pieces of information that are found within a text that assist readers in deducing the meaning of unfamiliar words or concepts. By teaching students to identify and use context clues, they develop their ability to interpret and analyze texts more effectively. This strategy encourages active reading, where learners engage with the material, making connections and drawing inferences based on the surrounding text.

For instance, if a student encounters a challenging word, they can look at the sentences before and after that word to gather hints about its meaning. This not only aids in comprehending the text at hand but also enhances vocabulary skills over time, as students learn to recognize and understand new words in multiple contexts. Overall, the use of context clues fosters deeper comprehension and supports the development of critical thinking skills, which are essential for navigating complex reading materials.