What role do context clues play in reading?

Context clues are critical in helping readers understand the meanings of unfamiliar words and phrases within a text. By examining the surrounding words, sentences, or paragraphs, readers can infer the definition or identity of an unknown term. This strategy enhances vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension, allowing readers to grasp the overall message of the text despite encountering challenging vocabulary.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of context clues.

For instance, suggesting that context clues distract from the main idea contradicts their purpose, as they are intended to support understanding rather than complicate it. Similarly, while context clues may sometimes offer insights into text structure, that is not their main role; text structure is often conveyed through organization and formatting rather than surrounding content. Lastly, while context clues may reinforce previously learned concepts, their primary function is focused on deciphering new, unknown words rather than reinforcing prior knowledge.