What should you do if an unfamiliar word appears in a text?

Using context clues to infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word is a highly effective reading strategy. This approach allows readers to derive meaning from the surrounding text, which often provides hints or descriptions that can clarify the word's significance. By considering the overall message, tone, and structure of the sentences before and after the unfamiliar word, readers can form a more accurate understanding without interrupting the flow of their reading too drastically.

Additionally, context clues can help to develop critical thinking skills, as readers must analyze how the word interacts with other elements within the text. This method encourages deeper engagement with the material and can enhance comprehension. Relying solely on skipping the word or immediately resorting to a dictionary may cause a loss of narrative flow and disrupt overall understanding, while guessing without sufficient evidence can lead to misconceptions. Thus, using context clues is the most balanced and educational approach when encountering unfamiliar terminology.