How can contextual clues aid in understanding vocabulary in reading passages?

Contextual clues are essential for enhancing vocabulary comprehension within reading passages because they derive meaning from the surrounding text. When encountering unfamiliar words, readers can use the context in which the word appears—such as nearby sentences or phrases—to decode its meaning.

For instance, if a passage describes a character's "exuberant" behavior, other words or descriptions in the surrounding text may indicate that this behavior is lively or joyful. Therefore, readers can infer the meaning of "exuberant" without needing a formal definition. This method of deciphering vocabulary relies on cues embedded within the narrative or arguments, making it a valuable strategy for understanding content more deeply and efficiently.

In contrast, options that mention grammar rules or providing definitions at the end of a passage do not focus on the immediate context required for interpreting vocabulary, while suggestions of synonyms may help but do not incorporate the nuances that context can provide in understanding the specific usage within a text.