1. Vocabulary Strategies

2. Context Clues #1
One way to figure out the meaning of an unknown or unfamiliar word is to look for the context clues in a sentence. One type of context clue is called definition, or restatement. In this, the writer defines the meaning of the word in the sentence or gives enough explanation for the meaning to be clear.
Example: The committee voted to augment, or increase, the training program budget.

3. Context Clue #1 Practice
Use the context clues to figure out the meaning of the words in bold type. Write your definition of the word. Then underline the context clue.
1. It was unacceptable for the moderator to berate, or scold, the panel members.
2. The contusion on the patient’s arm was one of several bruises on his body.

4. Examples or Summaries
Examples or summaries are other types of context clues that can be used to infer the meaning of a word. The writer provides examples that illustrate the word.
Example: Many felines, such as cheetahs, leopards, and lions, live in Africa.

5. Examples and Summaries Practice
Directions: Use the context clues to figure out the meaning of the words in bold type. Underline the context clue after you re-write the sentence.
1. The river was full of noxious materials such as pesticides from the nearby farm.
2. Many of the students at the preschool were precocious. One child had learned to read at the age of two.

6. Comparison and Contrast
Comparison and contrast is another type of context clue that can help you determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word. With this type of clue, the meaning of the unknown word can be unlocked by comparing it with another key word.
Example: My grandmother is parsimonious, but she is not nearly as cheap as my grandfather.

7. Comparison and Contrast Practice
Use the context clues to figure out the meaning of the words in bold type. Then underline the context clue after you re-write the sentence.
1. We can appreciate the relative safety of our lives when we see the perilous conditions of those in other cultures.
2. Although Bonnie was exuberant, the other fans mourned the team’s loss.

8. Context Clue Practice
Directions: Use the context clues in the sentences to figure out the meaning of each word in bold type. Write what you think each word means.
1. It was verboten to enter some of the rooms in the building, but it was acceptable to enter others.
2. Some nations have regrettably exploited their colonies, taking as many resources out of them as possible.
3. Jen’s scrupulous attention to detail, such as conducting careful research and checking her sources, made her a perfect candidate for investigative reporter.

9. Multiple Meanings
Many words have more than one meaning. It can be fun to investigate the multiple meanings of words. For example, the common noun ring has 13 different meanings listed in Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary!
Practice: Here are two common words with many different meanings. How many definitions can you find for each word. Use a dictionary and write the definitions under each word:
Round Light

10. Multiple Meaning Practice
The word court may be used differently by each of the people listed below. Write sentences using court the way they might. If you need help with the definitions, use a dictionary.
1. a judge
2. a tennis player
3. a royal subject
4. a mail carrier

11. Multiple Meaning Practice
Directions: write three sentences that reflect different meanings for one of the words listed below.
Sharp
Note
Bed

12. Multiple Meaning Practice
Directions: Read the sentences below. Write the meaning of the word square in each sentence. Use a dictionary, if necessary.
1. The carpenter squared the surface with a razor.
2. The accountant asked us to square our accounts.
3. The band performed in the square on July fourth.
4. The square of 3 is 9.
5. Before entering the room, square your shoulders and lift your head high.

13. Homophones Notes
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and different spellings.
Directions: Write a definition for each word in the homophone pairs below.
1. Hair Hare
2. Flour Flower
3. Pail Pale
4. Reign Rein

14. Homophone Practice
Directions: Match each homophone with its definition. You may use a dictionary to help you.
Plain
Plane
Manner
Manor
Style
Simple
Flat surface
Estate

15. Homophone Practice
Directions: Write a definition for each word in the homophone pairs.
1. Plate Plait
2. Peal Peel
3. Leak Leek

16. Homophone Practice
Directions: Use each word of the homophone pairs below in a sentence.
1. Loan Lone
2. Pedal Peddle

17. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the word bank.
Word Bank: bail, bale, council, counsel
1. The farmer sold a __________ of hay.
2. We need to __________ the water out of the boat.
3. The legislative ______________met for three hours.
4. The teacher tried to __________ the student in distress.

18. Homographs
Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings.
Directions: Write two definitions for each word below.
1. Batter
2. Case
3. Can
4. Content

19. Homograph Practice
Directions: Write a homograph from the list next to its definition.
Grave Fresh Mold
1. newly made__________________
2. Important__________________
3. Fungus____________________
4. Bold______________________
5. Form; shape__________________
6. Place of burial____________________

20. Commonly Confused Words
Here are some words that are commonly confused. Write a definition of each word and use each word in a sentence.
1. Accept
2. Except
3. Command
4. Commend

21. Match each commonly confused word with its meaning.
Detract
A. To divert attention
2. Distract
B. To take away
3. Expand
C. To spend
4. Expend
D. To increase in size

22. Commonly Confused Words Practice
Write the answer to each question:
1. Which is an aircraft? Plain or Plane
2. Which is a building? Capital or Capitol
3. Which is the boss of at school? Principal or Principle
4. Which is a bundle? Bale or Bail

23. Collective Nouns
Collective nouns: name a group of people or things. Match each group with the correct noun.
Bale
Chapter
Colony
Fleet
League
Ants
Teams
Cotton
Ships
Book

24. Simile: is a comparison that uses like or as
Simile: is a comparison that uses like or as. An example is as smooth as glass. See if you can complete the following.
1. as busy as a __________________
2. as smart as a ________________
3. as quiet as a ________________
4. as light as a__________________

25. A metaphor is a comparison that does not use the words like or as.
Directions: Write the metaphor in each sentence and explain what you think the metaphor means.
1. May dad’s car is a dinosaur.
2. John’s stomach is a bottomless pit.
3. Carol is a real clown.

26. Directions: Write S or M after each phrase below to indicate if it is a simile or metaphor
1. My room is as cold as ice.
2. My room is an icebox.
3. Joan’s a snail about getting work done on time.
4. Joan’s as slow as molasses.
5. Alyssa sings like a bird.
6. Alyssa is a songbird.

27. Analogies compare the relationship between two pairs of words.
For example: small : little :: big : large
Directions: complete the following analogies.
1. win : lose :: stop :________________
2. work : success :: study :
3. eat : ate :: sleep :________________
4. morning : afternoon :: breakfast :_______________

28. Directions: explain the relationship in the following word pairs.
1. find : locate
2. patient : impatient
3. cat : meow
4. nose : face
5. rested : energetic