Question

understanding the basics for word-meaning strategies

which statement about the meaning of words is correct?

context clues help only with words that have one meaning.
a dictionary is the only way to determine the meaning of a word.
context clues are never helpful for determining a words meaning.
a way to determine a words meaning is to study what surrounds it.

Explanation:

Analyze the definition of context clues

Context clues are hints found within a text that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. This involves studying the surrounding words, sentences, and paragraphs.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "Context clues help only with words that have one meaning." This is incorrect because context clues are especially useful for determining which meaning of a multiple-meaning word is being used.
• Option 2: "A dictionary is the only way to determine the meaning of a word." This is incorrect because readers can use context clues, word parts (prefixes, roots, suffixes), and other strategies.
• Option 3: "Context clues are never helpful for determining a word's meaning." This is incorrect because context clues are a primary and highly effective strategy for vocabulary acquisition.
• Option 4: "A way to determine a word's meaning is to study what surrounds it." This is correct because it accurately describes the process of using context clues.

Answer:

• (A) Context clues help only with words that have one meaning.
• (B) A dictionary is the only way to determine the meaning of a word.
• (C) Context clues are never helpful for determining a word's meaning.
• (D) A way to determine a word's meaning is to study what surrounds it. (Correct answer)