What is the first step in the 5-step procedure for encountering an unknown word?

The first step in the 5-step procedure for encountering an unknown word is to skip it and keep reading. This approach allows readers to maintain their comprehension of the overall text without getting bogged down by one unfamiliar word. By continuing to read, they can often infer meaning from the context in which the word appears, utilizing surrounding sentences or paragraphs to deduce its significance. This method fosters a more holistic understanding of the material and helps retain the flow of reading, particularly during initial encounters with challenging vocabulary.

In contrast to other options, such as looking it up in the dictionary or asking someone else for help, skipping the word initially encourages independent problem-solving and reinforces the skill of using contextual clues to infer meaning. Sounding it out can be helpful in some cases, but it may not provide a clear understanding of the word's meaning in the context of the sentence.