Question

which of the following best defines context clues?
the motivation behind writing a rhetorical piece of literature
helpful words or phrases that provide meaning to unknown words
the situation surrounding the writing or presenting of a literary work

Explanation:

Context clues are words or phrases in a text that help clarify the meaning of an unknown word. The first option refers to author's motivation (not context clues). The third option is about the setting of a literary work (not context clues). The second option correctly defines context clues as helpful words/phrases for unknown words.

Answer:

B. helpful words or phrases that provide meaning to unknown words