a) Context Clues: Look closely at the context of the sentence or paragraph where the word appears. Sometimes, the meaning of an unfamiliar word can be inferred from the surrounding text.
b) Underline It: Mark the word with a pencil or highlighter to make it stand out so you can easily refer to it later.
c) Dictionary: Keep a dictionary handy to quickly look up the word. If you have an e-book, many e-readers have built-in dictionaries that allow you to easily look up words.
d) Online Resources: You can also use online dictionaries or search engines to find the definition of the unfamiliar word.
e) Contextual Reading: Read the surrounding sentences to see how the word is used. This can help you narrow down possible meanings.
f) Word Roots and Suffixes: Break down the word into its root and suffix or prefix components. This may give you a clue to its meaning.
g) Synonym or Definition: Sometimes, a word's meaning may be provided within the text itself. Look for phrases like "also known as" or "in other words."
h) Ask for Help: If you still have trouble understanding the word, don't hesitate to ask a friend, teacher, or librarian for help. They may have insights you missed.
i) Word List: Keep a list of unfamiliar words and their definitions. This will help you expand your vocabulary over time.
Remember, it's okay not to know every single word you come across. Expanding your vocabulary is a continuous process, and every new word you learn brings you closer to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the language.