Readers use the definition in the sentence to determine the unknown word.

Readers use an example or illustration (drawing) to understand the unknown word.

Readers understand the unknown word because it is being compared (similarities) with another word in the sentence.

Readers understand the unknown word because it is being contrasted (differences) with another word in the sentence.

Readers use a word in the sentence that means the opposite to determine the meaning of the unknown word.

Readers use a word in the sentence that has the same meaning to determine the meaning of the unknown word.

Reader's use their knowledge of root words and affixes to figure out the unknown word.

Readers use their own (prior) knowledge about the content and the text may provide clues to determine the meaning of the unknown word.

Context clues are bits of information from the text that, when combined with prior knowledge, allow you to decide the meaning of unknown words in the story or article.