Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

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Prepare for the VCLA Test with our engaging quiz. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with helpful hints and explanations. Achieve exam success!

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What role do punctuation marks play in understanding context clues?

  1. They change the meaning of words.

  2. They provide context hints.

  3. They highlight main ideas.

  4. They are used exclusively for decoration.

The correct answer is: They provide context hints.

Punctuation marks serve a vital role in providing context clues, as they help convey the intended meaning of a sentence or phrase. Context clues are hints that assist readers in deducing the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases within a text. Punctuation marks contribute to this by organizing information, indicating pauses, and clarifying relationships between ideas. For instance, a comma can signal a brief pause that can change how we interpret a sentence, while a question mark denotes a query that affects the reader's understanding of the tone or intent. Therefore, punctuation marks enhance comprehension by offering additional context that helps readers grasp the nuances of the text effectively.