English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Use thesaurus entries
Use thesaurus entries
What you'll learn
- Identify at least three synonyms for a given word using a thesaurus entry, correctly citing the part of speech for each synonym.
- Apply the information within a thesaurus entry to select the most appropriate synonym for a word based on the context of a provided sentence, justifying the choice in one to two sentences.
- Explain how a thesaurus entry's example sentences or usage notes clarify the nuances in meaning between different synonyms.
- Analyze a given thesaurus entry to determine which synonym would be most appropriate in 3 out of 4 different contexts, explaining the reasoning for each choice.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the main components of a thesaurus entry (entry word, part of speech, synonyms, antonyms).
Select appropriate synonyms based on the specific context of a sentence or passage.
Distinguish between synonyms that have slightly different connotations or nuances.
Utilize a thesaurus to enhance vocabulary and improve descriptive writing.
Avoid common pitfalls when choosing words from a thesaurus, such as ignoring part of speech or context.
Integrate new vocabulary effectively and appropriately into their own writing.
Ever feel like your writing is a bit... boring? 😴 Do you find yourself using the same words over and over again?
In this lesson, you'll learn how to unlock a treasure chest of words: the thesaurus! We'll explore how to use thesa...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Entry WordThe main word you look up in a thesaurus to find synonyms and antonyms.If you search for 'happy,' 'happy' is the entry word.
SynonymA word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase.'Joyful' is a synonym for 'happy'.
AntonymA word opposite in meaning to another word.'Sad' is an antonym for 'happy'.
Part of SpeechThe grammatical category of a word, such as noun (n.), verb (v.), adjective (adj.), or adverb (adv.).'Happy' is an adjective; 'happiness' is a noun. It's important to match these when choosing synonyms.
NuanceA subtle difference in meaning, expression, or tone between similar words.While 'walk' and 'stroll' are syno...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Match the Part of Speech
Always ensure the synonym you choose has the same part of speech as the original word.
If your original word is an adjective, select an adjective synonym. Using a noun instead of an adjective will create grammatical errors and confuse your reader.
Consider the Context
The meaning of a word can change depending on how it's used in a sentence; choose a synonym that fits the specific situation.
Don't just pick the first synonym you see. Read the sentence with the new word to make sure it makes sense and conveys the exact intended meaning and tone.
Understand Nuance and Connotation
Synonyms often have slightly different shades of meaning or emotional associations (connotations).
Some synonyms might be stronger, weaker, more formal, or m...
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Challenging
A student wrote: "The big dog was scary. It had a scary bark. The scary dog ran at me." They used a thesaurus and produced this revision: "The **sizable** canine was **petrifying**. It had a **redoubtable** vociferation. The **formidable** dog ran at me." Which statement best critiques the revision?
A.The revision is excellent because it uses more sophisticated vocabulary.
B.The revision is weak because words like 'redoubtable vociferation' are overly complex and unnatural, disrupting the flow and clarity.
C.The revision fails because it mismatches the parts of speech, for example, using a noun for an adjective.
D.The revision is ineffective because 'sizable,' 'petrifying,' and 'formidable' are not actual synonyms for the original words.
Challenging
An author wants to revise the sentence "The detective **looked at** the clue" to create a feeling of intense, careful examination. Which of the following revisions, using a synonym for "looked at," best achieves this specific tone?
A.The detective scrutinized the clue.
B.The detective glanced at the clue.
C.The detective peeked at the clue.
D.The detective viewed the clue.
Challenging
A thesaurus entry for **sad** (adj.) lists the synonym **dolorous**. In which of the following sentences would **dolorous** be the most appropriate and natural-sounding choice?
A.The funeral dirge was a slow, dolorous piece of music, fitting the somber occasion.
B.I felt so dolorous when I dropped my ice cream cone.
C.The main character was a bit dolorous after his team lost the game.
D.She gave a dolorous sigh when she realized she had more homework to do.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Use thesaurus entries"?
Use thesaurus entries is a Grade 7 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Use thesaurus entries?
You'll be able to: Identify at least three synonyms for a given word using a thesaurus entry, correctly citing the part of speech for each synonym; Apply the information within a thesaurus entry to select the most appropriate synonym for a word….
Is "Use thesaurus entries" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with Use thesaurus entries?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.