What is the primary purpose of context clues in reading?

The primary purpose of context clues in reading is to help readers predict unknown words' meanings. Context clues are various hints or information surrounding an unfamiliar word in a text that give important insights into what that word might mean. These clues can include surrounding sentences, phrases, or general themes, enabling readers to make informed guesses about the meanings of words they do not know.

This strategy is essential for developing vocabulary skills, enhancing comprehension, and fostering independent reading, as it encourages learners to use the text itself as a resource. Instead of being reliant on definitions or external sources, readers become active participants in deciphering language through context clues, leading to deeper engagement with the text and improved reading fluency.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the fundamental function of context clues. For instance, they do not serve to make reading less enjoyable or eliminate the need for vocabulary; rather, they support the enrichment of vocabulary through contextual understanding. They also do not provide explicit definitions for every word, which is impractical in most reading contexts.