Using context clues to determine meanings of words from "summary" of TOPIK PASS Level 3 - Reading by FunPik
When you come across unfamiliar words while reading, you can use context clues to help you figure out what they mean. Context clues are the words and phrases around a new word that can give you hints about its meaning. By paying attention to the context in which the word is used, you can often make an educated guess about its definition. One way to use context clues is to look for synonyms or antonyms. If you see a word in a sentence that means something similar to a word you already know, that can help you understand the new word. For example, if you read, "The dog was barking loudly," you might not know what "barking" means, but you probably know that dogs make a noise when they bark. Another strategy is to look for definitions or explanations within the text. Sometimes, the author will provide a definition for a new word right in the sentence or paragraph where it is used. For instance, if you read, "She had a phobia of spiders, so she screamed when she saw one," you can infer that "phobia" means a fear or intense dislike of something. You can also consider the context of the entire passage or story. Think about the topic or theme of the text, as well as the relationships between different words and ideas. This broader context can help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words in a more nuanced way. In addition to words and phrases, you can look at punctuation, illustrations, or formatting to help you understand a word's meaning. For example, if a word is italicized or in quotation marks, that might indicate that it is being used in a special or specific way.- You can enhance your vocabulary and comprehension skills while reading. Practice this strategy regularly to become more confident in deciphering the meanings of unfamiliar words in any text. With time and experience, you will become adept at using context clues to determine the meanings of words and enrich your overall reading experience.
