English Language Arts
Grade 3
15 min
Which definition matches the sentence?
Which definition matches the sentence?
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the correct definition of a word with multiple meanings based on its use in a sentence.
Use context clues within a sentence to determine a word's meaning.
Explain how a word's meaning can change in different sentences.
Select the appropriate definition from a list for a word used in a sentence.
Define a multiple-meaning word and provide an example.
Write a new sentence using a word with multiple meanings, making the intended meaning clear.
Have you ever heard a word that means two different things? 🦇 A 'bat' can be an animal or something you use to hit a baseball!
In this lesson, we will become word detectives! We will learn how to figure out the right meaning of a word when it has more than one. This important skill helps u...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DefinitionThe meaning of a word.One definition of 'cold' is 'having a low temperature'.
SentenceA group of words that expresses a complete thought.The cat sat on the mat.
Multiple-Meaning WordA word that has more than one definition.The word 'pen' can mean a writing tool or an enclosure for animals.
Context CluesHints in a sentence that help you figure out a word's meaning.In the sentence 'The *bark* on the tree was rough,' the words 'tree' and 'rough' are clues that *bark* is the outside of a tree, not a dog's sound.
HomonymWords that are spelled the same and sound the same but have different meanings.The word 'trip' can mean to stumble or to go on a journey.
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Context Clue Rule
Look at the other words in the sentence to find clues about the word's meaning.
When you see a word with multiple meanings, don't just guess! Read the whole sentence and ask yourself, 'Which meaning makes the most sense here?' The other words will guide you.
The 'Try It Out' Rule
Substitute each definition into the sentence to see which one fits best.
After you read the definitions, try replacing the word in the sentence with each definition. The one that sounds right and makes a complete, logical thought is the correct one.
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Challenging
In the sentence, 'The whole point of my letter was to ask my friend to visit me during the summer,' what does 'point' mean?
A.The sharp end of a tool or weapon
B.The main idea or most important reason for something
C.To show where something is with your finger
D.specific moment in time
Challenging
Read the sentence: 'Each character in the secret code stood for a different letter of the alphabet.' Which definition of 'character' is used here?
A.person in a book, play, or movie
B.The qualities that make a person different from others
C.funny or unusual person
D.symbol, like a letter or number, used in writing
Challenging
In the sentence, 'If the mail cannot be delivered, it will be sent back to the return address,' what does 'return' mean in this context?
A.Relating to the address of the person who sent the letter
B.To come or go back to a place
C.profit from an investment
D.The act of giving something back
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