Which reading strategy involves using context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words?

The strategy of using context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words is known as contextual analysis. This approach allows readers to infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary by examining the surrounding text, including the words, phrases, and sentences that provide hints about the word's meaning. Contextual analysis is an essential skill for comprehension, as it enables readers to make educated guesses about the meanings of words based on the overall context of the sentence or paragraph.

In contrast, sounding out focuses on phonics and the pronunciation of words, which does not necessarily help in understanding their meanings. Predicting involves anticipating what might happen next in a text without directly addressing unknown vocabulary. Skimming is a reading technique used to get a general idea of the content, often by rapidly moving through text, which might overlook detailed understanding and specific word meanings. Thus, contextual analysis is the most fitting strategy for deciphering the meanings of unknown words through their context.