1. Understanding the Context:
* The Text: Pay attention to the sentence or paragraph where the unfamiliar word appears. The surrounding words and the overall topic can give you clues about the word's meaning.
* Your Prior Knowledge: Think about what you already know about the subject matter. This can help you narrow down the possibilities.
2. Using the Glossary Effectively:
* Look for Keywords: Scan the glossary entries for keywords that relate to the word you're trying to define.
* Check Alphabetical Order: Glossaries are typically arranged alphabetically. Use this to your advantage to quickly find the word.
* Read the Definition Carefully: Once you find the word, pay close attention to the definition provided. Make sure it makes sense in the context of the text you're reading.
3. Additional Tips:
* Consider Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes: If you're familiar with word parts, you can often deduce a word's meaning by breaking it down into its components.
* Use a Dictionary: If the glossary doesn't provide enough information, consult a dictionary for a more detailed definition.
* Ask for Help: Don't be afraid to ask a teacher, tutor, or classmate for help if you're struggling to understand a word.
Example:
Let's say you're reading a text about geology and encounter the word "igneous." You might not know its meaning. Looking in the glossary, you could find an entry for "igneous rock," which defines it as a rock formed from the cooling and solidification of molten material.
By understanding the context (geology) and reading the definition carefully, you can now recognize and understand the meaning of "igneous" in the text.