Word Meaning

The skills: 1. Using Context Clues to determine the meaning of words (4 types) Examples Synonyms Antonyms General sense of the sentence 2. Words with multiple meanings 3. Figurative language

When your are reading and you come to a new word, how do you figure out what it means? 1. Use context clues  words or sentences surrounding the mystery word that assist you in determining its meaning 2. Use word structure  This refers to how the mystery word is built. Check for prefixes, familiar root words and suffixes. Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

Context Clues: Examples Synonyms Antonyms General sense of the sentence

You can greatly help your budget by being frugal. For instance, using store coupons and waiting for expensive items to be on sale can save a lot of money. a. hardworking b. patient c. thrifty To save the company, the president had to take the drastic steps of closing one plant and laying off a hundred workers. a. easy b. illegal c. extreme Examples

Synonyms Barry was ecstatic when Lynda agreed to marry him. He was so overjoyed that he burst out singing on his way home. Rituals are a common and important part of life. These ceremonies include marriages and funerals.

Antonyms A flashing yellow light means “slow down,” but many drivers accelerate instead, trying to get through the intersection before the light turns red. A. reverse direction B. take a detour C. stop D. speed up “I’m willing to affirm that I was present when the crime was committed,” the witness said. “But I strongly deny that I took part in it.” A. guess B. predict C. state as true D. forget

General Sense of the meaning… The efforts of the firemen to save the woman were futile—she was already dead. A. successful B. useless C. early D. too lengthy The saying “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today” warns that it is best not to procrastinate. A. delay B. rush C. work too hard D. confuse

2. What is a Multiple Meaning word?  A word with more than one meaning.  Examples: left She left the room. There are no cookies left in the box. He turned left at the corner. watch sorry hair rock interest

cross Always make sure to check how the word is being used IN THE SELECTION!

What is the meaning of the word locks as it is used in the paragraph? A. tufts of wool B. hair C. firm holds D. fasteners

The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a moment, it was a strange, round cheeked maiden with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight. Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense. A. tufts of wool B. hair C. firm holds D. fasteners

MMW game!

3. Figurative Language Watch out! The author says one thing but means another! It’s as dry as a bone. He’s as stubborn as a mule. She’s going to kill me if she finds out. Money talks. His mind is a computer We walked forever.

Review 1. What is a multiple meaning word? Explain. 2. Give 3-5 examples of multiple meaning words not mentioned on the notes. 3. What must you remember to do in order to correctly answer a multiple meaning word question? 4. When you come to a word you do not know, what are 2 strategies you can use to figure out its meaning? 5. Explain context clues. 6. Explain word structure. 7. What are 4 types of context clues? 8. State 2 reasons why the dictionary should be the last place you look for a word’s definition as you are reading? 9. Why is it important to know about figurative language?

Do Practice #1 page Do Practice #2 page Do Practice #3 page Do Practice #4 page Read pages Do Practice #1 page Do Practice #2 page Do Practice #3 page Do Practice #4 page Read pages Homework on objective #1 Use context clues to find your answers, not the dictionary!! Answers must be written in your book. Assignments due at next class meeting