To determine the meanings of challenging words, the reader should look at the , the words or sentences around the unknown word.

A) Context.

Explanation:

While reading a text, it is crucial to understand the meanings of challenging words given in the text in order to clarify the coherent meaning implied or suggested by the author. The author often provides 'context clues' that include a hint about the background or context in which that particular word or phrase is employed that assists the readers to understand the meaning.

As per the question, in order to determine the meaning of difficult words, the readers must divert their attention towards the 'context' along with the words that surround the word(unknown) as it would help them evaluate and determine the meaning(which could be literal or suggested) of that word as per the background of the sentence more conveniently and efficiently. Thus, option A is the correct answer.

the italian poet francesco petrarch did! (:

b. the colonies must seek protection from other nations.