What are context cues designed to do?

• A. Provide definitions for common words
• B. Help define difficult or unusual words
• C. Enhance background knowledge
• D. Illustrate grammatical structures

Answer: (B)

Context cues are designed to help define difficult or unusual words by providing clues within the surrounding text that lead to an understanding of these terms. When a reader encounters an unfamiliar word, context cues can come from nearby sentences or the overall theme of the text, aiding comprehension. These cues often include synonyms, antonyms, examples, or explanations that clarify the meaning of the word in question.

In contrast, while providing definitions for common words might be possible within a context, it is not the primary purpose of context cues. Enhancing background knowledge relates more to the reader's prior understanding rather than the specific function of context clues in deciphering word meanings. Similarly, illustrating grammatical structures does not align with the role of context cues, which focus specifically on meaning rather than grammatical forms. Thus, the strength of context cues lies in their ability to illuminate the meanings of challenging vocabulary through textual hints.