Today, I'm trying out the context clues strategy to expand my vocabulary. This involves guessing the meaning of unfamiliar words based on the surrounding sentences and overall context of the text.
I read an article about the benefits of urban gardening. I encountered the word "proliferate," which I didn't immediately know. However, the sentence discussed how community gardens cause local flora and fauna to "proliferate." Considering the context of growth and community gardens, I guessed that "proliferate" meant to increase or spread rapidly. I checked the dictionary later, and it confirmed my understanding.
This strategy worked well for me because it helped me actively engage with the text and make educated guesses. I learned the word "proliferate," which I can now use in my writing and conversations. I'll continue using context clues to build my vocabulary, especially when reading articles and books.