context clues
[ˈkɒn.tekst kluːz]
nounpl: context clues
pistas de contexto
1. Information from the words, sentences, or situations surrounding an unfamiliar word that helps determine its meaning without using a dictionary
The student used context clues to understand the meaning of 'ubiquitous' in the sentence: 'Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society, appearing everywhere from buses to restaurants.'
A estudante usou pistas de contexto para entender o significado de 'onipresente' na frase: 'Os smartphones se tornaram onipresentes na sociedade moderna, aparecendo em todos os lugares, desde ônibus até restaurantes.'
2. Contextual information that serves as a guide to interpreting ambiguous or unknown words, phrases, or concepts
Good readers rely on context clues rather than stopping to look up every unfamiliar word.
Bons leitores dependem de pistas de contexto em vez de parar para procurar cada palavra desconhecida.
Context clues are a fundamental concept in English language teaching both in the USA and Brazil, emphasized as a crucial reading strategy in elementary and secondary education. In Brazil, this technique is particularly emphasized in ESL/EFL programs and Portuguese language instruction, where students are encouraged to develop independence in reading without constant reliance on dictionaries. This skill is considered essential for academic success and language acquisition across both cultures.
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