What is meant by "contextualization" in reading?

Contextualization in reading refers to the practice of using context clues to derive meaning from a text. This involves looking at the words and sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word or concept to infer its meaning, which is crucial for comprehension and a deeper understanding of the material.

In effective reading, understanding a text often requires considering the broader context in which words are used. For example, if a reader encounters an unknown word, analyzing the sentences around it, as well as the overall theme of the paragraph, can provide hints that lead to an accurate interpretation. This strategy is particularly valuable because it enables readers to independently understand and learn new vocabulary in a meaningful way, rather than relying solely on memorization.

The other options do not align with the definition of contextualization. Using illustrations helps with comprehension but does not directly pertain to interpreting text through context. Learning vocabulary without context contradicts the idea of contextual understanding, as it suggests a disconnection from the meanings derived from surrounding text. Finally, reading in silence to focus is a reading strategy but does not involve the process of deducing meaning from context.