How do you use context clues to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar phrases?

• A. Guess randomly.
• B. Use surrounding sentences, examples, and prior knowledge to infer meaning.
• C. Consult a dictionary only after finishing the text.
• D. Ignore context clues and rely on intuition.

Answer: (B)

Using context clues means letting the surrounding text and what you already know guide the meaning of an unfamiliar phrase. Start by spotting the phrase and reading the nearby sentences to see how it’s used. Look for clues like a restatement, an example, or a comparison that explains the word, and note any synonyms or contrasts that hint at meaning. Consider your prior knowledge about the topic and how it fits with the sentence as a whole. A quick test is to try a plausible meaning in place of the phrase and check if the sentence still makes sense. If you need, read a bit more for an explicit clue or definition in the text. This approach keeps you engaged with the material and builds your ability to understand new vocabulary on the spot. Relying on random guessing, waiting to check a dictionary only after finishing the passage, or ignoring context clues doesn’t use the information the text provides and is more likely to lead to misinterpretation.