MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What is the best strategy to define an unfamiliar word in context?

1. Considering its antonyms only

2. Looking for nearby words for clues

3. Ignoring the word entirely

4. Using a dictionary definition only

The correct answer is: Looking for nearby words for clues

The best strategy for defining an unfamiliar word in context is to look for nearby words for clues. This approach involves analyzing the surrounding text to gather insights into the word's meaning. Contextual clues can include synonyms, antonyms, or descriptive phrases that provide hints about the unfamiliar term. By examining how the word interacts with the rest of the sentence or passage, a reader can infer its meaning more accurately than by relying solely on isolated definitions or external resources. Considering antonyms alone can be limiting, as it does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the word's usage and connotation within the context. Ignoring the word entirely means missing out on potentially valuable information that could enhance comprehension. Relying only on a dictionary definition can also be insufficient, especially if the definition does not capture the nuance or specific context in which the word is used. Thus, looking for nearby words for clues provides a more effective means of understanding unfamiliar vocabulary within text.