English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Which sentence matches the definition?
Which sentence matches the definition?
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify words with multiple meanings in various contexts.
Utilize context clues to determine the intended meaning of a multiple-meaning word.
Select the sentence that accurately uses a given multiple-meaning word according to a specific definition.
Differentiate between the various denotations of homographs based on sentence structure and surrounding words.
Explain how a word's part of speech can influence its meaning in a sentence.
Apply strategies for understanding multiple-meaning words to improve reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Ever read a sentence and thought, 'Wait, that word means *what* here?' 🤔 It's like words are playing a trick on us!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to become a word detective, uncovering the t...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Multiple-Meaning WordA word that has more than one distinct definition or sense.The word 'bank' can mean the side of a river or a financial institution.
Context CluesHints or information found within the surrounding text that help readers determine the meaning of an unfamiliar or ambiguous word.In 'The *bat* flew out of the cave at dusk,' 'flew' and 'cave' are context clues for the animal meaning of 'bat.'
HomographWords that are spelled the same but have different meanings, and sometimes different pronunciations.'Lead' (a metal) and 'lead' (to guide).
DenotationThe literal, dictionary definition of a word, free from any associated feelings or ideas.The denotation of 'cool' is 'low i...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Read the Entire Sentence Carefully
Never assume a word's meaning based on just the word itself. Read the whole sentence to get the full picture.
This helps you gather all available context clues before making a decision.
Identify and Analyze Context Clues
Look for surrounding words, phrases, or ideas that provide hints about the word's intended meaning.
Pay attention to synonyms, antonyms, examples, explanations, or the general topic of the sentence.
Test Each Definition Against the Sentence
Mentally substitute the given definition into the sentence. Does it make sense? Does it fit grammatically and logically?
This process of elimination helps you confirm the correct meaning and rule out incorrect ones.
Consider the Word's Part of Speech
How the...
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Challenging
Which sentence uses the word 'conduct' according to the definition: 'to organize and carry out'?
A.Her professional conduct was praised by her supervisor.
B.The student's poor conduct in class resulted in a detention.
C.The scientist will conduct an experiment to test her hypothesis.
D.Copper is a metal that is known to conduct electricity well.
Challenging
Which sentence uses the word 'contract' according to the definition: 'a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law'?
A.When metal gets cold, it will contract.
B.The lawyer advised him to read the entire contract before signing it.
C.It is possible to contract a serious illness while traveling.
D.The muscle will contract and then relax.
Challenging
Which sentence uses the word 'minute' according to the definition: 'extremely small'?
A.The meeting will begin in one minute.
B.She recorded the minute of the meeting for the official record.
C.There were minute traces of dust on the otherwise clean surface.
D.Wait just a minute while I find my keys.
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