Describe the term "context clues."

The term "context clues" refers to hints or information embedded within the surrounding text that assist readers in inferring the meanings of unfamiliar words or phrases. These clues can come in various forms, such as descriptive language, examples, definitions, or contrasting ideas present in a sentence or nearby sentences. Using context clues allows readers to interpret and understand the text more deeply without needing to interrupt their reading flow to look up every unknown term.

While the other options present useful tools for comprehension—such as explicit definitions, visual aids, or chapter summaries—none encapsulate the essence of context clues as effectively as the hints found within the surrounding text, which directly aid in deciphering meaning in real-time as a reader engages with the material.