Word Meaning

3 types of questions (skills) 1. Unfamiliar and uncommon words and phrases 2. Words with multiple meanings 3. Figurative expressions

Skill #1: Unfamiliar and uncommon words and phrases

THEA example: 1. Which of the following is the best meaning of the word influx as used in the paragraph? A. workforce B. tourist visits C. coming in D. exit

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How do I figure out the correct answer? 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.

THEA example: 1. Which of the following is the best meaning of the word influx as used in the paragraph? A. workforce B. tourist visits C. coming in D. exit

1. Which of the following is the best meaning of the word influx as used in the paragraph? A. workforce B. tourist visits C. coming in D. exit The influx of European immigrants to New York helped establish that city as the center of the fashion industry in the latter part of the century. The immigrants, used to hardship and willing to work for low wages, provided the skilled labor the industry needed to grow. Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

Skill #2: Multiple Meaning Words

Skill #2: What is a Multiple Meaning word?  A word with more than one meaning.  Examples: funny That joke was funny. “That’s funny; I know I left my keys here, but now they’re gone.” ball fan ground rock chicken

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

THEA example What is the meaning of the word institute as it is used in the paragraph? A. An organization B. To establish C. To stop D. A school

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense. A. An organization B. To establish C. To stop D. A school Some companies are starting to institute a policy of relaxed dress code on Fridays. This has proven very popular with employees.

Durkheim's rigorous research methods captured the attention of sociologists around the world, and were perhaps even more important to the future development of sociology than any specific research results could be. Within a short time, his specific approach to formulating and testing social theory became a model that guided the work of nearly all sociologists. This assured Emile Durkheim a lasting place as one of the key figures in the history of sociology. Which of the following best defines the word model as it is used in the last paragraph of the selection? A.one of two or more alternative styles B.an artist's subject C.a small copy of an object D.a plan to be imitated

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

Watch out! The author says one thing but means another! Examples: 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. We walked forever.

THEA Example 1. In this sentence, dawn is being compared with: A.The sun B.The earth C.A person D.the east “As the sun rose slowly in the east, the dawn kissed the earth good morning.”

Review 1. Under the reading THEA Objective #1, what are the three types of questions you will encounter? 2. What is a multiple meaning word? Explain. Give examples not mentioned on the notes. 3. What must you remember to do in order to correctly answer a multiple meaning word question? 4. Explain context clues. 5. Explain word structure. 6. Why is it important to know about figurative expressions? Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.