What do "contextual clues" refer to in reading passages?

Contextual clues are specific words or phrases within a reading passage that assist readers in deciphering the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary by using the surrounding text for guidance. When encountering a word you do not know, looking at the context in which it is used—the sentences before and after, the overall theme of the passage, and supporting details—can provide significant insights into its meaning. This strategy enhances comprehension and allows for a deeper understanding of the text as a whole.

While images or graphs might provide additional context or visual information, they are not considered textual contextual clues in terms of vocabulary. The main arguments of a passage focus on the central claims and perspectives presented by the author but do not inherently aid in understanding unknown words. Summaries, found at the end of passages, may encapsulate the key points, but they do not function to clarify specific vocabulary within the text itself. Thus, the correct answer accurately identifies the role of contextual clues as essential tools for enhancing vocabulary comprehension in reading passages.