How should you handle unfamiliar vocabulary encountered in a listening or reading item to maximize accuracy?

• A. Use context clues
• B. All of the above
• C. Look for root words or cognates
• D. Choose the option that fits the overall meaning

Answer: (B)

When you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary in listening or reading, combine strategies to pin down meaning and stay true to the passage. Context clues help you infer meaning from surrounding words and sentences, giving you a quick sense of how the term fits. Looking for root words or cognates taps into familiar word parts, which can reveal a core sense of the term through their shared roots. Checking that the chosen option fits the overall meaning ensures your pick aligns with the message and tone of the passage, not just a dictionary gloss. Using all of these together is the most reliable way to maximize accuracy because each method supports the others and reduces the chance of a false inference.