English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Which sentence matches the definition?
Which sentence matches the definition?
What you'll learn
- Identify the denotative meanings of at least 8 out of 10 target words from a given list, as demonstrated by correctly matching each word to its dictionary definition.
- Analyze the subtle connotative differences between 3 sets of synonyms (e.g., 'determined,' 'stubborn,' 'resolute') and explain how each word's connotation affects the overall tone and meaning of a sentence, providing justification for their choices in a written paragraph.
- Apply understanding of connotation and denotation to select the word that best fits the context of 5 out of 6 sentences, justifying each choice based on both the word's explicit meaning and its implied emotional or cultural association.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different word choices in conveying a specific message or creating a particular effect in a short paragraph, justifying their evaluation with specific references to the words' connotations and denotations.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'multiple-meaning words' and identify examples.
Use context clues to determine the correct meaning of a multiple-meaning word in a sentence.
Accurately match a given definition to the sentence that uses the word in that specific way.
Explain their reasoning for selecting a particular sentence based on textual evidence.
Differentiate between various meanings of a single word using dictionary entries.
Apply their understanding of precise word meanings to improve their own argumentative writing.
Recognize how an author's choice of a multiple-meaning word can influence meaning and purpose.
Ever read a sentence and thought, 'Wait, that word could mean two different things!' 🤔 It's like a secret code in language!
In this...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Multiple-Meaning WordsWords that have more than one distinct definition or sense, depending on how they are used in a sentence.The word 'bank' can mean a financial institution or the side of a river.
Context CluesHints or information within a sentence or paragraph that help you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.In 'The *bat* flew out of the cave at dusk,' 'flew' and 'cave' are context clues suggesting 'bat' means the animal, not a piece of sports equipment.
DenotationThe literal, dictionary definition of a word, without any associated feelings or ideas.The denotation of 'home' is 'a place where one lives.'
DefinitionA statement that explains the meaning of a word, phr...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Read the Definition Carefully
Always read the provided definition fully and understand its precise meaning before looking at the sentences.
Don't just skim! Pay attention to every word in the definition, as subtle differences can change the meaning entirely. Identify the core idea the definition is trying to convey.
Analyze Context Clues in Each Sentence
For each sentence, identify the surrounding words and phrases that provide hints about how the multiple-meaning word is being used.
Look for nouns, verbs, and adjectives near the target word. These clues will help you determine which of the word's possible meanings fits the sentence's overall message. Think about what makes sense in the sentence.
Test Each Sentence Against the Definition
Mentally (or phy...
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Challenging
An author writing an argumentative essay claims a new policy is unfair. To support this claim, they need to use the word 'state' to match this definition: 'to express something definitely or clearly in speech or writing.' Which sentence best achieves this purpose?
A.The witness was in a state of shock after the event.
B.The documents clearly state that all employees must attend the meeting.
C.He is planning a vacation to another state.
D.The building was in a terrible state of disrepair.
Challenging
Which sentence uses the word 'charge' to match this definition: 'to formally accuse (someone) of something, especially an offense under law'?
A.The bull began to charge toward the red cape.
B.How much do you charge for a haircut?
C.I need to charge my phone before we leave.
D.The police will charge the suspect with robbery.
Challenging
An author wants to create a menacing tone and show a character's negative intent. Which sentence uses the word 'mean' to match the definition 'unkind, spiteful, or malicious' and best supports the author's purpose?
A.What do you mean by that statement?
B.The mean of the numbers 2, 4, and 9 is 5.
C.The villain's cruel words were intentionally mean.
D.Living on a budget can mean you have to make sacrifices.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Which sentence matches the definition?"?
Which sentence matches the definition? is a Grade 6 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Which sentence matches the definition??
You'll be able to: Identify the denotative meanings of at least 8 out of 10 target words from a given list, as demonstrated by correctly matching each word to its dictionary definition; Analyze the subtle connotative differences between 3 sets of….
Is "Which sentence matches the definition?" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Which sentence matches the definition??
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.