What role do context clues play in reading comprehension?

Context clues play a crucial role in reading comprehension by helping readers decode unknown words and enhancing overall understanding of the text. When readers encounter unfamiliar vocabulary, context clues—words, phrases, or sentences surrounding the unknown word—provide hints or information that can lead to a clearer interpretation.

For example, if a reader comes across the word "gregarious" and sees it used in a sentence about a person who loves being around friends and socializing, they can infer that "gregarious" likely means sociable or outgoing. This ability to use context clues not only aids in vocabulary acquisition but also promotes deeper comprehension of the material as a whole, allowing readers to grasp the author's intent and message more effectively.

Improving vocabulary through context clues is foundational for fluent reading and critical analysis, making it an essential strategy in literacy development.