What role do context clues play in understanding vocabulary during the test?

Context clues are vital in helping readers infer the meanings of unfamiliar words based on the surrounding text. When encountering a word that is unknown, readers can analyze phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs that provide hints or examples about that word's meaning. For instance, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms, or even examples presented nearby can shed light on what the word might mean. This skill becomes particularly useful in a test setting, where vocabulary questions may include terms that are not familiar to every student. By using context clues, students are able to derive meanings without needing to rely solely on a dictionary, thus enhancing their understanding of the text and improving their overall test performance.