What is a method used to understand unknown words in a text?

The method that is widely recognized for understanding unknown words in a text is through the use of contextual clues. Contextual clues involve examining the surrounding text to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words. This could include looking at the sentences before and after the unknown word, identifying synonyms or antonyms within the text, and noting the overall theme or subject matter of the passage.

Using contextual clues allows readers to grasp the meaning of new vocabulary by interpreting how the word functions within the sentence. This method enhances comprehension and helps build vocabulary skills for future reading. While paraphrasing, substitution, or summarizing may be useful strategies in different contexts, they do not specifically target the identification of unfamiliar language in the way that contextual clues do.