What strategy can enhance comprehension when encountering new vocabulary?

Using the process of elimination and inferring meaning from surrounding sentences is a highly effective strategy for enhancing comprehension when encountering new vocabulary. This approach allows readers to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words by examining the context in which they appear. By looking at the words, phrases, or sentences that come before and after the unknown term, readers can gather clues that provide insights into its meaning. This not only helps in grasping the particular word but also enhances overall understanding of the text.

Additionally, this method encourages active reading and critical thinking, as it engages the reader in analyzing the text rather than relying solely on external resources. This active engagement is important for developing vocabulary skills, as it reinforces the relationship between words and their meanings in context, leading to better retention and understanding.

In contrast, while asking a teacher for clarification can be beneficial, it may not always be a readily available option. Looking up every unknown word in a dictionary can interrupt the reading flow and take time, potentially hindering overall comprehension. Skipping difficult words entirely can lead to missing essential information or context, which diminishes the reader's ability to fully understand the material.