Which first step should a reader take when they encounter an unfamiliar word
When encountering an unfamiliar word, a reader should first make an educated guess about the word's meaning based on its context within the sentence or paragraph. This means considering the surrounding words, the overall theme or topic of the text, and any other relevant information that might help provide clues about the word's definition.
When a reader encounters an unfamiliar word, here are the steps they should take:
1. Contextualize: Look at the surrounding words or sentences to gain a general understanding of the word's meaning. Pay attention to any clues that may provide hints about the word's definition.
If the meaning is still unclear, proceed to the next step.
When a reader encounters an unfamiliar word, the first step they should take is to look for context clues within the surrounding text. Context clues are hints or information provided by the sentences or paragraphs that can help the reader understand the meaning of the unknown word.
To begin, readers should read the entire sentence or paragraph carefully, paying attention to the words that come before and after the unknown word. Look for any clues such as descriptive words or phrases, examples, comparisons, or contrasts that might provide insights into the meaning of the word.
If the context clues are not sufficient to determine the meaning, readers should then turn to other resources like a dictionary or an online tool. Here are a few ways to use these resources effectively:
1. Dictionary: Look up the word in a dictionary and read the different definitions provided. Pay attention to the part of speech, example sentences, and any synonyms or antonyms mentioned. Choose the definition that seems to fit the context of the sentence or paragraph.
2. Online search engine: Type the word into a search engine and explore the results. Often, websites like Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com, or Vocabulary.com will provide definitions, examples, and usage notes that can aid in understanding the word.
3. Thesaurus: If the reader has a general sense of the word's meaning but wants to find a more precise synonym or a similar word, a thesaurus can be helpful. Thesauruses provide alternative word choices and can expand the reader's vocabulary.
By using these strategies, readers can gain a better understanding of unfamiliar words and enhance their overall reading comprehension.