What are "context clues" in reading?

Context clues refer to the hints or information provided within a text that help readers deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases. These clues can come in various forms, such as synonyms, antonyms, examples, or descriptive phrases that surround the unknown term. By analyzing these clues, readers can make educated guesses about the meaning without needing to consult a dictionary.

The choice that identifies context clues as phrases that help infer the meaning of difficult terms accurately captures this concept. When readers encounter a challenging word, they often look to the rest of the sentence or paragraph for hints about what that word could mean based on how it is used in context. This process enhances comprehension and aids in vocabulary development.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the definition of context clues. Distracting words do not assist in understanding meaning. Summaries provide overall understanding but do not directly help infer word meanings. Footnotes offer additional information but are not necessarily embedded within the text to help with immediate comprehension of specific terms.