Here's how it works:
* The unfamiliar word (the appositive) is placed next to a known word or phrase that explains its meaning.
* The appositive is usually set off from the rest of the sentence by punctuation.
Example:
> "The canine, a domesticated dog, barked loudly at the mailman."
In this example, "canine" is the unfamiliar word. The phrase "a domesticated dog" is the appositive, which clarifies the meaning of "canine."
Here are some more examples:
* "The physician, a medical doctor, examined the patient."
* "The student, an avid reader, always checked out books from the library."
* "The building, a tall skyscraper, dominated the skyline."
Tips for Identifying Appositives:
* Look for words or phrases set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses.
* Check if the word or phrase explains or rewords another word in the sentence.
* Consider the context of the sentence to help you understand the meaning.
By recognizing appositive context clues, you can decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and enhance your reading comprehension.