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What does the term context refer to in reading?

  1. The words and sentences before and after an unknown word

  2. The overall theme of the text

  3. The main idea of the paragraph

  4. The background knowledge of the reader

The correct answer is: The words and sentences before and after an unknown word

The term context in reading refers to the words and sentences that surround an unknown word. This surrounding text provides clues about the meaning of the word, helping the reader make sense of it through the situational and textual cues available. Understanding context is essential for comprehension, as it can clarify the purpose, tone, and implications of the word within the larger passage. Recognizing the importance of context enhances overall reading comprehension and vocabulary development, allowing readers to infer meanings even when they encounter unfamiliar words.