English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Which sentence matches the definition?
Which sentence matches the definition?
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify multiple meanings of common words based on context.
Analyze context clues within a sentence to determine the precise meaning of a word.
Select the sentence that accurately uses a word according to a given definition.
Differentiate between literal and figurative uses of multiple-meaning words.
Explain the impact of precise word choice on clarity and meaning in both reading and writing.
Apply strategies for deciphering unfamiliar uses of common words in complex texts.
Ever notice how one word can wear many hats? 🎩 Sometimes, 'bank' means a place for money, and other times, it's the edge of a river! How do we know which meaning to choose?
In this lesson, you'll become a word detective, learning to use context clues to pinpoint...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Multiple-Meaning Word (Polysemy)A single word that has two or more distinct but often related meanings, depending on how it's used in a sentence.The word 'bright' can mean 'giving out a lot of light' (a bright lamp) or 'intelligent' (a bright student).
Context CluesHints or information found within the surrounding words, phrases, or sentences that help you understand the meaning of an unfamiliar or ambiguous word.In 'The *bark* of the dog startled the cat,' the words 'dog' and 'startled' clue you into the meaning of 'bark' as a sound, not tree covering.
DenotationThe literal, dictionary definition of a word; its primary and objective meaning, free from emotion or association.The denotation of...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Context is King Rule
Always read the entire sentence (and sometimes the surrounding sentences) to gather all available context clues before deciding on a word's meaning.
The words around a multiple-meaning word are your best guides. They provide the necessary information to narrow down the possibilities and identify the intended meaning. Don't jump to conclusions based on the first meaning you know.
The Part of Speech Clue
Identify the grammatical function (part of speech) of the multiple-meaning word in the given sentence, as this often dictates its possible meanings.
Many words have different meanings when used as a noun versus a verb, or an adjective versus an adverb. For example, 'present' as a noun (a gift) is different from 'present' a...
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Challenging
Which sentence uses the word 'sanction' according to the definition: 'a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule'?
A.The United Nations imposed a trade sanction on the rogue nation.
B.The school board will sanction the new curriculum for next year.
C.With her parents' sanction, she was allowed to go on the trip.
D.The coach will sanction the team's request for new uniforms.
Challenging
Which sentence uses the word 'bolt' according to the definition: 'to move or run away suddenly'?
A.He used a wrench to tighten the bolt on the wheel.
B.Make sure you bolt the door before you go to bed.
C.The startled horse began to bolt across the field.
D.bolt of lightning illuminated the night sky.
Challenging
Which sentence uses the word 'address' according to the definition: 'to think about and begin to deal with (an issue or problem)'?
A.Please write your return address in the top-left corner of the envelope.
B.The president will address the nation's economic challenges in her speech.
C.She will now address the audience.
D.The package was sent to the wrong address.
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