Which aspect greatly aids in deciphering the meanings of difficult passages?

Considering the context and surrounding information is pivotal in deciphering the meanings of difficult passages because it provides critical clues about the main ideas and nuances within the text. Context helps readers to make connections between different parts of a passage, understand the author's purpose, and grasp the significance of specific words or phrases. By examining how sentences relate to one another and identifying the broader themes at play, readers can form a more informed interpretation of the material.

Using a thesaurus might help in finding synonyms, but it does not offer the same depth of understanding as contextual analysis, which considers the full text's meaning and implications. Reading only the conclusions would overlook essential details and the reasoning that leads to those conclusions, ultimately hindering comprehension. Additionally, skimming the introductory paragraph may provide preliminary insight, but it is insufficient for grasping the complexities involved in the passage. Without a thorough understanding of the context, readers are likely to miss crucial elements that contribute to a complete interpretation.