Which strategy can help in understanding unfamiliar vocabulary in context?

Breaking down the word into its roots is a highly effective strategy for understanding unfamiliar vocabulary in context. This approach allows readers to analyze the components of the word, such as prefixes, suffixes, and the base or root meaning. By identifying these elements, readers can often infer the meaning of the word based on their knowledge of similar words or concepts. For instance, if a reader encounters the word "unhappiness," recognizing the root "happy" along with the prefix "un-" indicates a negative connotation related to happiness, providing context clues that enhance comprehension.

This strategy promotes active engagement with the text and empowers readers to decode new vocabulary independently, enhancing their overall reading skills. Other strategies may not offer the same depth of understanding; for example, simply ignoring unfamiliar words neglects an opportunity for growth, while relying solely on synonyms may not capture the specific nuance of the word in its particular context. Reading the text backwards may hinder comprehension, as it disrupts the natural flow and structure of the text.