What is the main purpose of context clues in reading?

• A. To memorize every word's dictionary definition.
• B. To infer the meaning of unfamiliar words from surrounding text.
• C. To identify author’s tone solely.
• D. To replace words with synonyms.

Answer: (B)

Context clues are the hints the author gives in nearby words or sentences to help you understand an unfamiliar word. The main purpose is to infer the meaning of a word from the surrounding text so you can keep reading smoothly. For example, if a sentence says, “The meadow looked desolate after the storm, with weeds growing sparsely,” you can infer that desolate means empty or deserted from the context of the description. This skill keeps you engaged with the story and builds overall comprehension. Using context clues isn’t about memorizing every dictionary definition, and while clues can also help you sense mood or tone, their primary job is to help you figure out what new words mean without stopping to look them up.