What does the teacher model during think-alouds to promote independent word-learning strategies?

The correct answer highlights the importance of locating clues in the text that clarify word meanings, a critical skill in developing independent word-learning strategies. During think-alouds, the teacher demonstrates how to engage with the text actively by identifying context clues—such as definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples provided within the passage—that can help students deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words.

This practice encourages learners to use various strategies to unlock word meanings, rather than relying solely on memorization or external definitions. By modeling how to search for and analyze contextual clues, the teacher empowers students to become more autonomous learners, able to navigate challenging texts independently in the future.

In contrast, making predictions, summarizing main ideas, or comparing similar sounding words do not directly focus on deciphering word meanings based on contextual clues, thus making them less aligned with the goal of fostering independent word-learning strategies through think-aloud sessions.