**Context Clues Strategy**
When you come across a new word, don’t just look it up right away. Instead, read the sentence carefully and look for clues around the word—like definitions, examples, contrasts, or explanations—to figure out what it might mean. Then, check the dictionary to see if you were right!
**Why it works:**
This strategy helps you become a more independent reader and thinker. It trains your brain to use the words and sentences around an unfamiliar word to guess its meaning, which improves comprehension and retention.
**Example:**
If you read a sentence like:
*“Despite the torrential rain, the hikers remained **undaunted**, continuing their journey without fear.”*
You might guess **undaunted** means brave or not scared because of the contrast with the heavy rain.