Learn Grammer and Vocabulary improvement with Free Lessons & Tips

Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 9–10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
   

Pre-lesson questions (5)

 Read the underlined word in each sentence below.  Identify the sentence in which the word has the same meaning as in the original sentence.

1. Henry could not understand the custom of the tribals which they followed on the Full moon
2. For generations, they followed the custom without any questioning.
3. Robert likes to wear custom-made suits.
4. The vending machine at the railway station is not customer friendly.
5. The new computer that we purchased last week has many custom friendly features.

2. Even though Doriyan took the at most care to prepare the report, the committee members approved it as a draft with some
3. It was a surprise to Tom, when the students submitted their drafts on time.
4. With the help of his colleagues, Richard drafted the resolution within a short time.
5. The whole village cheered when Jack was drafted into the army.
6. At the welcome party, Julian ordered two drafts of ale.

3. The violent incident that happened at the stadium taught Robert not to harbor ill will toward any
4. At noon, the ship sailed into the harbor with the biggest catch of the day.
5. The whole day David searched for the missing cat at every nook and corner of the harbor.
6. The two families harbored ill feelings for a long time that prevented the little girls from talking to each other.
7. Port of Manila is one of the natural harbors in the world.

4. For Peter, the research trip to study butterflies turned out to be an amazing one for the butterflies migrated every spring season to
5. Mary likes to cook food without more seasoning.
6. Summer is the best season to grow more flowering plants.
7. Ricky helped his mother to season food according to his taste.
8. Rick did not like to use mustard for seasoning but his mother insists on using it.

5. After the committee submitted their report on damages caused by floods, the government sanctioned adequate funds to help the affected people.
6. The local committee receieved the sanction after fighting for it.
7. The Principal did not sanction the local festival holiday as the exams dates neared.
8. The elected members for the council appealed for immediate sanction of funds to complete the rehabilitation work faster.

1. Normally it took two weeks to recieve an update on the sanction, but the team got the approval within one week.

  Objectives

After completing the lesson, you will:

• Know the meaning of an unknown word by context
• Identify the meaning of a multiple-meaning word

 Vocabulary:

Daunting: causing fear or discouragement

Ardent: characterized by intense desire

Skew: biased in meaning or effect

Esteemed: to regard with respect

Knack: a clever way of doing something

Description:

 Multiple-meaning words are words that have more than one meaning listed in the dictionary. When you read, the first meaning comes to mind but that meaning is not implied by the writer.

 Words used in different contexts imply different meanings.  If we don’t know the meaning of that new word, we usually refer to the dictionary or understand from the context in the sentence.    

 Lesson:

 Homonyms:  A homonym is a word which has the same spelling and pronunciation as another word but a different meaning.

 Example: 

 target (n) –  an object, a desired goal, a small round shield

 The batch of students, who were guided by Peter, completed the target well ahead the scheduled time.

 target (v) – to aim at, to make a target of 

 Jack was forced to target less profit for he could not meet more customers as he got injured severely in an accident.

 Homophones:  A homophone is a word that sounds exactly like another word, with a different meaning and a different spelling.

 Example:   

 Cheep (n) – a faint, shrill sound of a young bird

 The place looked lonely and deserted and Sharon waited for help as she silently listened to the cheep of love birds.

 Cheep (v) – During the hurricane, the love birds didn’t cheep for they were also cuddled together at the corner of the cage.  

 Cheap (adjective) – When Shirley realized that she bought the cheap product by paying more, she felt cheated.

 Quick check question (2)

 Fill in the blank with the correct answer:

 The type of ants that lived in my garden preferred to live under the ________of trees for it helped them to store their food quickly.

1. root
2. bark
3. route
4. barks

Fill in the blank with the correct answer:

2. After Rick was seriously injured on the ______ of his left leg, he was admitted immediately to the emergency ward in the nearby
3. half
4. calf
5. calved
6. halved

 Interactive questions (2)

1. Each sentence or paragraph contains an underlined word. Use the context to figure out the meanings of those words. Those underlined words will be the answers in the crossword puzzle.

2. Each sentence or paragraph contains an underlined word. Use the context to figure out the meanings of those words. Those underlined words will be the answers in the crossword puzzle.

Summary

Multiple meaning words are words that have several meanings depending on how they are used in a sentence. 

Post lesson – 26 questions

1.Fill in the blank with the correct answer

Rita ate ________ only at the buffet organized by the senior boys and girls at school.

1. desert
2. dessert
3. deserrt
4. descert

Explanation: Dessert is the sweet course served at the end completes a meal.

2. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

Rebecca’s wedding _______ with rain made her day special.

1. team
2. teem
3. teamed
4. d. teemed

Explanation: “Teem” means to pour out.

3. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

Sid found the lost document in the ______ folder of his computer.

1. cash
2. cashed
3. c. cache
4. cached

Explanation: “cache” means a hiding place used for storing provisions

4. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The spring ______ brought the blessings of the year to the coastal villages.

1. tied
2. tidy
3. tide
4. tie

Explanation: “tide” means time or season

5. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

It took some time for her to realize that it is a _______ experience.

1. reel
2. reality
3. real
4. really

Explanation: “real” means true and actual

6. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The swan with its pure _______ feathers looked at the other swans swimming near her.

1. dawn
2. down
3. dawned
4. downy

Explanation: “down” is the layer of fine feathers found under the exterior feathers

7. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

After he lifted the last man from the collapsed copper mine, everyone _________ with relief.

1. side
2. sigh
3. sided
4. sighed

Explanation: “sighed” means breathe deeply and heavily

8. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

After they went ________ a painful struggle, Kate rescued the tiny cat from the floods.

1. threw
2. through
3. throw
4. thru

Explanation: “through” means by way of

9. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

During their trekking trip, Julian and his team found a new _______ to reach the hidden treasure.

1. root
2. routed
3. route
4. routes

Explanation: “route” means a way for travel from one place to another

10. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

To make the first quality wine, the ancient people stored the wine in the _________ for more than a year.

1. seller
2. cellar
3. cell
4. sell

Explanation: “cellar” means an enclosed space used for storage

11.Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The broken ______ of glasses hurt her badly and made her bleed profusely.

1. peace
2. pieces

c  peas

1. piece

Explanation: “pieces” means a small part of an item

12. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The unexpected floods due to hurricane reached the last _______ of the apartment near the overbridge.

1. story
2. storey
3. stories
4. storys

Explanation: “storey” means one of the floors or levels in a building

13. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The election failed to play the right ________ for it disappointed people who were prompt to vote.

1. cord
2. chord
3. cords
4. chorded

Explanation:  “chord” means the music produced by musical instruments or singers

14. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The prisoners escaped through the ______ but the security guards got them back to their cells again.

1. shoot
2. chute
3. choose
4. chews

Explanation: “chute” means a sloping channel built for sending out water or garbage

15. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

While waiting for the rescue team, every second _______ in constant fear for death.

1. lap
2. laps
3. lapse
4. lapsed

Explanation: “lapsed” means a period of time that moved slowly

16. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The heavy rain washed away the fertile soil leaving away the land__________ and uncultivable.

1. baron
2. barren
3. bare
4. barrenly

Explanation: “barren” means wasteland not suitable for cultivation

17. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The  _________ retain hidden characters. .

1. jeans
2. genes
3. jean
4. gened

Explanation: “genes” means any basic elements of heredity passed from parents to their children

18. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The Princess shocked the delegates with her _______ voice.

1. housed
2. horse
3. hoarse
4. hours

Explanation: “hoarse” means having an unpleasant sound

19. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

The doctor gave Amala an injection to _________ the pain.

1. lesson
2. less
3. lessen
4. least

Explanation: “lessen” means to reduce the pain

20. Fill in the blank with the correct answer

A sudden _______ through the door hole shocked Rachel.

1. peeked
2. peek
3. peak
4. peeking

Explanation: “peek” means to glance quickly

21.Use the context to determine the meaning of the highlighted word.

In the early 1800s, a dangerous trip across the Sahara desert was a daunting idea. 
A daunting task is one that would _________ someone.

1. amuse
2. misplace
3. lose
4. frighten

Explanation: “daunting” means causing fear or discouragement

22. Use the context to determine the meaning of the highlighted word.

Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Jerald is applauded for his life saving research.

What does “esteemed” mean?

1. very old
2. stunted
3. greatly admired
4. mocked

Explanation: “esteemed” means to regard with respect

23. Use the context to determine the meaning of the highlighted word.

If you count all the votes in an area that supports the ruling party candidate, and only some of the votes in an area that supports the opposition party candidate, you will skew the results in favor of the ruling partly candidate.

What does “skew” mean?

1. ignore
2. ask
3. biased
4. slant

Explanation: “skew” means distorted or biased in effect

24. Use the context to determine the meaning of the highlighted word.

No one suspected that Mike was a spy. He looked normal like any neighbor.  When his covert activity was found out, every one in the neighborhood was shocked.

1. helpful
2. loud
3. friendly
4. hidden

Explanation: “covert” means a covering that helps to conceal or hide something

25. Use the context to determine the meaning of the highlighted word.

Richard is an ardent supporter of his presidential candidate. He has been spending most of his time for the election compaign.

What does “ardent” mean in the context of the selection?

1. foolish
2. old
3. passionate
4. strong

Explanation: “ardent” means enthusiastic, strong support, showing great interest

26. Use the context to determine the meaning of the highlighted word.

Patrick has a knack for making the tough shots when they are needed most.  We would win more games with his help.

What does “knack” mean?

1. a hard punch
2. to throw
3. a special ability
4. not skilful

Explanation: “knack” means having the ability to do something skilfully

Test questions – 5

Use the context to choose the correct meaning:

1. Every portable communication device is made with an Internet connection.  Most of the new televisions come with Internet connections.  The Internet is omnipresent.

If something is omnipresent, _____________.

1. it is present everywhere
2. it is costly

1. it is hidden

1. it is sharp

1. Mother Teresa's cardinal rule is this:  Be kind to others.  She believed that everything in life will be good if we are kind to others.

1. a bird
2. not worthy
3. most important

1. not valid

1. Roy was very happy about his e-bike shop.  “We have such an extensive selection of bikes,” he said, “everyone would find a bike that he or she will love to own.”

The word “extensive” means _________.

1. not enough
2. large extent
3. cost more
4. large number of

4. Ruben liked sailing in the turbulent waters during storms. Though it is an arduous task, he loved the adventurous trip with his friends.
5. funny
6. hard
7. strange
8. risky

1. David misjudged the worthless replica at the museum was a valuable painting for it looked like the real one.

A replica is __________.

1. without value
2. a copy
3. original
4. ugly

Watch in Full Screen

Dear Students,

Please find the 5 idioms which can be used in the Business environment. These idioms will help you to sound more serious, authoritative and educated.

1. Bottom Line: The central issue of a discussion, the main point.

Circle the adjective that best describes the underlines noun:
 
1. A (big / tasty) dog was chewing on a bone.

2. Isaac rode to school in a (tiny / yellow) bus.

3. It was a very (cold / dented) day.

4. Ann asked a (blue / strong) man to open her bottle.

5. Brooke left her (warm / purple) jump rope on the background.

6. Jaysa hurt her mouth on a (hot / sticky) piece of pizza.

7. Deagen had to fix his (slippery / broken) glasses.

8. Autumn was excited to see the (cold / huge) elephant at the zoo.

9. Noah was shy around the (beautiful / left) girl.

10. The Empire State Building is a very (flat / tall) building.

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs fall into three categories; When, Where, and How.

Directions: Underline the adverb in each sentence below.

Example A: She is standing outside. 

Answer: She is standing outside.  

1. The people calmly waited in line for the show. 

2. I eagerly awaited the results of my test. 

3. I politely asked a question. 

4. He sincerely asked me to move seats. 

5. The man clumsily stumbled towards his chair. 

6. You are dangerously close to failing the class.

7. My brother barely had enough sleep. 

8. The woman foolishly sat in the wrong seat.                                                                                     

9. I joyously shouted at the top of my lungs.

• Repeat the words as you speak - Visualize the words,write down the words to remember
• Poster/Sticky notes - Use a poster for all phonetic sounds (e.g. vowel sounds). Sticky notes can be used to identify a new object/word you come across.
• Draw Pictures- Learn the words and putting the words into the picture.
•  Make a sentence- With the help of a new word try to make a new sentence . E.g. I want some coffee .
• Your own native language can help-  You can identify new word if it's similar or close to your native language. Example- If your native language is English and you know the word "Bimbo" which means a girl who is not so intelligent however the same word in Japan means no money.

Note : You can learn no more than 10 new words a day.

A lot of alot:

If you like to indicate a plenty of something then better do it by placing a space between ‘a’ and ‘lot’ so the proper version is ‘a lot’ and never alot. This is one of the commonly repeated mistakes which people tend to ignore despite warnings from spell-check.

Lost over lose or loose:

When people mix up "lose" and "loose," it's usually just because they're spelled so similarly. They know their definitions are completely different.

According to Merriam-Webster, "lose" is a verb that means "to be unable to find (something or someone), to fail to win (a game, contest, etc.), or to fail to keep or hold (something wanted or valued)." It's like losing your keys or losing a football match.

"Loose" is an adjective that means "not tightly fastened, attached, or held," like loose clothing or a loose tooth.

It's vs. Its:

Normally, an apostrophe symbolizes possession. As in, "I took the dog's bone." But because apostrophes also usually replace omitted letters like "don't" the "it's" v. "its" decision gets complicated.

Use "its" as the possessive pronoun: "I took its bone." For the shortened version of "it is" use the version with the apostrophe. As in, "it's raining.

Less vs. Fewer:

You know the checkout aisle in the grocery store that says "10 Items or Less"? That's actually incorrect. It should be "10 Items or Fewer."

Why? Because "items" are quantifiable, you can count out 10 items. Use "fewer" for things that are quantifiable, like "fewer M&Ms" or "fewer road trips." Use "less" for things that aren't quantifiable, like "less candy" and "less traveling."

Principal with principles:

Some grammar mistakes people make is when they end up confusing ‘Principal’, who factually is a person presiding over an institution with ‘principle’ that literally means rules or fundamentals to guide your acts.