Which strategy aids in predicting the meaning of unknown words within a sentence?

The word identification strategy is highly effective for predicting the meaning of unknown words within a sentence. This approach encourages learners to dissect unfamiliar terms by examining the context of the surrounding words and sentences. By utilizing context clues—such as synonyms, antonyms, or descriptive phrases—students can make educated guesses about the meaning of new vocabulary.

Additionally, this strategy enhances readers' comprehension skills and encourages them to take a more active role in the learning process. It empowers them to draw on their existing knowledge and experiences, leading to better retention of the new vocabulary they encounter.

Contextually, the other strategies listed have their own merits but focus on different aspects of vocabulary acquisition. Structural analysis, for instance, concentrates on breaking down the components of words (roots, prefixes, and suffixes) to deduce meanings, while the cloze passage method involves filling in blanks in a text and relies heavily on contextual clues rather than teaching direct prediction strategies. Dictionary study, although beneficial for acquiring precise definitions, does not aid as effectively in understanding the meaning of words in context, as it requires looking up each unknown term individually rather than predicting meanings based on surrounding text.