1. Context Clues:
* Definition: Look for a direct definition of the word within the sentence or surrounding sentences. This is often signaled by words like "is," "means," "refers to," or "that is."
* Example: The scientist observed the phenomena, or events, in the lab.
* Synonyms: The author might use a synonym or rephrase the idea to make the meaning clear.
* Antonyms: The author might use a word with the opposite meaning to help you understand the unfamiliar word.
* Inference: Sometimes, the meaning of the unfamiliar word can be inferred from the context of the passage and your prior knowledge.
2. Word Parts (Morphology):
* Prefixes: Understanding common prefixes (like "un-", "re-", "pre-") can help you decipher the meaning of a word.
* Suffixes: Similarly, understanding common suffixes (like "-ing," "-er," "-tion") can help you understand the word's function and meaning.
* Roots: Knowing the root of a word can give you a good starting point for understanding its meaning.
3. Dictionary & Thesaurus:
* Dictionary: The most straightforward way to find the meaning of a word is to look it up in a dictionary.
* Thesaurus: Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for unfamiliar words. This can help you understand the word's meaning in the context of the passage.
4. Visual Aids:
* Images: Pictures, diagrams, and other visual aids can provide context and help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.
* Graphs & Charts: Data representations can often illustrate the meaning of words related to numbers, statistics, or trends.
5. Online Resources:
* Online dictionaries: Websites like Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionaries, and Dictionary.com provide definitions, pronunciations, and often examples of how the word is used.
* Online thesauruses: Websites like Thesaurus.com and WordHippo can help you find synonyms for unfamiliar words.
* Language learning apps: Apps like Duolingo and Memrise can help you learn new vocabulary and practice using it in context.
Tips for Effective Word-Learning:
* Don't be afraid to look up words. It's better to understand the text fully than to skip over unfamiliar words.
* Keep a vocabulary notebook. Write down new words you encounter, their definitions, and example sentences.
* Use the words you learn in your writing and speaking. This will help you to retain them and make them a part of your active vocabulary.
Remember, the key to understanding unfamiliar words is to be active and strategic in your reading process. By utilizing the various strategies described above, you can expand your vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension.