English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Which definition matches the sentence?
Which definition matches the sentence?
What you'll learn
- Identify the correct definition of a word or phrase from a given list of definitions in at least 80% of the exercises.
- Apply context clues from a sentence to determine the most appropriate meaning of a multiple-meaning word with 75% accuracy.
- Explain the reasoning behind selecting a specific definition for a word within a sentence, demonstrating understanding of its nuance and contextual fit in a short paragraph.
- Analyze how different definitions of a word can change the overall meaning of a sentence, providing two distinct interpretations for at least one sentence.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify multiple-meaning words within a given sentence.
Utilize context clues to determine the intended meaning of a multiple-meaning word.
Select the most appropriate definition from a list that accurately reflects the word's usage in a sentence.
Explain how different definitions of a word can alter the overall meaning of a sentence.
Apply dictionary skills to verify and differentiate between various meanings of a word.
Analyze an author's specific word choice and its impact on the text's message.
Construct sentences that demonstrate the correct use of multiple-meaning words in different contexts.
Ever read a sentence and thought, 'Wait, that word could mean two things?' 🤔 It's like a secret code hidden in plain sight!...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Multiple-Meaning WordA word that has more than one distinct definition or sense, depending on how it is used.The word 'bank' can mean the side of a river or a financial institution.
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 *bank* of the river was muddy,' the word 'river' is a context clue that tells us which 'bank' is meant.
HomographWords that are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations.'Lead' (to guide) vs. 'lead' (a metal).
Part of SpeechThe grammatical category of a word (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb), which often helps determine its specific me...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Context Clue Rule
Always look for surrounding words, phrases, and sentences to understand the intended meaning of a multiple-meaning word.
Context clues provide vital information about the situation, action, or description that clarifies which definition applies. Don't just look at the word in isolation!
The Part of Speech Rule
Identify the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) of the multiple-meaning word in the sentence; this often narrows down its possible definitions.
Many words can function as different parts of speech, and each grammatical role usually has its own set of definitions. Knowing if it's an action or a thing is a big hint.
The Substitution Rule
If unsure, try substituting each possible definition into the sentence. The definition...
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Challenging
The sentence 'The police officer told the man to stop yelling' contains potential lexical ambiguity. Which word is the primary source of this ambiguity?
A.stop
B.police
C.told
D.yelling
Challenging
An author writes: 'The lawyer's argument was a finely constructed *case*.' What is the most likely reason the author chose the word 'case' instead of 'idea' or 'point'?
A.To suggest the argument was physically heavy.
B.To use its multiple meanings, implying both a legal proceeding and a structured container for evidence and logic.
C.To show that the lawyer was not very creative.
D.To make the sentence shorter and easier to read.
Challenging
Read the sentence: 'As the temperature dropped, the metal began to *contract*.' Which definition of 'contract' matches its use in the sentence?
A.To catch or become ill with a disease.
B.To enter into a formal and legally binding agreement.
C.To decrease in size, number, or range.
D.written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment or sales.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Which definition matches the sentence?"?
Which definition matches the sentence? is a Grade 7 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Which definition matches the sentence??
You'll be able to: Identify the correct definition of a word or phrase from a given list of definitions in at least 80% of the exercises; Apply context clues from a sentence to determine the most appropriate meaning of a multiple-meaning word with….
Is "Which definition matches the sentence?" 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 definition matches the sentence??
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.