What is the role of "context" in understanding a text?

Context plays a crucial role in understanding a text as it encompasses the background, circumstances, and setting in which the text was created. This background information can include historical, cultural, or situational details that help clarify the meaning of specific words, phrases, and overall themes. By providing relevant context, readers gain deeper insights into the author’s intent, the motivations behind characters, and the implications of events described in the text. This allows for a more nuanced understanding, helping readers to interpret the content more accurately.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of what context contributes to text comprehension. Changing the meaning of words is more about semantics than context, summarizing a text oversimplifies it, and illustrating personal opinions shifts the focus from understanding the text as a whole to individual viewpoints. Therefore, providing background information that clarifies meaning is essential for fully grasping the content and significance of a written work.