Here's why:
* To understand the meaning: Context clues provide valuable information about the unknown word or phrase based on its surrounding words, sentences, or even the entire passage.
* To avoid looking up every word: Constantly relying on a dictionary can interrupt the flow of reading. Context clues allow you to make educated guesses about the meaning, keeping you engaged with the text.
* To improve reading comprehension: The ability to decipher meaning from context is a crucial skill for effective reading. It helps you build a deeper understanding of the material, even when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary.
When to use context clues in particular:
* When you encounter an unfamiliar word: Instead of immediately grabbing a dictionary, try to figure out the meaning from the surrounding text.
* When you're unsure about the precise meaning of a word: Even if you've encountered the word before, the context might give you a different or more specific meaning.
* When you want to expand your vocabulary: By using context clues, you can naturally learn the meanings of new words without memorizing lists.
Remember, context clues aren't foolproof. Sometimes, the meaning might be unclear, or the word might have multiple possible meanings. In those cases, it's perfectly acceptable to look up the word in a dictionary. But always try to use context clues first to enhance your reading experience and vocabulary growth.