What term describes sources of information outside of words that readers may use to predict the identities and meanings of unknown words?

The term that refers to sources of information outside of words that readers may use to predict the identities and meanings of unknown words is context clues. Context clues are hints that surrounding text provides about the meaning of unknown vocabulary, allowing readers to infer meanings based on their understanding of the overall context in which the word appears.

This strategy is essential for enhancing comprehension, as it encourages readers to engage actively with the text, making inferences and drawing connections between known and unknown information. By utilizing context clues, readers can better decipher meaning without always needing to resort to a dictionary, thus promoting a more fluid reading experience and fostering vocabulary development.

In contrast, context-embedded language refers to language that is supported by the context of its use, cooperative learning involves students working together to achieve learning goals, and developmental spelling focuses on the stages of spelling development rather than vocabulary comprehension. Each of these concepts is relevant in their own right but does not directly address the use of external information sources for understanding unknown words in the same way context clues do.