FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

What role does context play in understanding unknown words?

1. It provides hints about the word's meaning

2. It changes the meaning of the known words

3. It makes the text more complex

4. It confuses the reader about definitions

The correct answer is: It provides hints about the word's meaning

Context plays a significant role in understanding unknown words, primarily by providing hints about the word's meaning. When readers encounter a word they do not know, the surrounding text—such as sentences or paragraphs—can offer clues that help them deduce what the word might mean. This can include the way the word is used in a sentence, the words that are adjacent to it, or even examples given in the text. By analyzing these contextual clues, readers can arrive at a more informed understanding of the unfamiliar term, enabling them to comprehend the text more fully. For instance, if a reader finds the word "gregarious" in a sentence that discusses someone's enjoyment of social gatherings, the context strongly suggests that "gregarious" relates to being social or outgoing. This illustrates how context serves as a vital tool for deciphering new vocabulary, enhancing overall comprehension without needing to resort to a dictionary or other definitions.