Why is contextual reading important for comprehension?

Contextual reading is crucial for comprehension because it enables readers to grasp the meaning of words, phrases, and entire passages by considering the surrounding text. When readers engage with a text, they do not just look at individual words in isolation; instead, they interpret them in relation to the context in which they appear. This contextual understanding facilitates a deeper grasp of the material, allowing for enhanced interpretation of the themes and ideas presented. By piecing together clues and references provided by the surrounding content, readers can infer meanings, deduce relationships, and gain insights that would otherwise be missed if they focused solely on isolated elements of the text. This strategy is particularly valuable for understanding complex ideas and nuances in language, which are often best revealed through the context in which they exist.