Word Meaning

3 types of questions (skills)1. Words with multiple meanings2. Figurative expressions3. Unfamiliar and uncommon

words and phrases

Skill #1:What is a Multiple Meaning word?

A word with more than one meaning. Examples:

left She left the room. There are no cookies left in the box. He turned left at the corner.

watchnailhairrockright

cross

Always make sure to check how the word is being Always make sure to check how the word is being used used IN THE SELECTION!IN THE SELECTION!

THEA exampleWhat is the meaning of the word locks as it is

used in the paragraph?A. tufts of woolB. hairC. firm holdsD. fasteners

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

A. tufts of woolB. hairC. firm holdsD. fasteners

What is the meaning of the word locks as it is used in the paragraph?A. tufts of woolB. hairC. firm holdsD. fasteners

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

Watch out!

The author says one thing but means another!

Examples:

•It’s as dry as a bone.•He’s as stubborn as a mule.•She’s going to kill me if she finds out.•Money talks.•We walked forever.

THEA ExampleTHEA Example

1. In the selection, the writer uses the phrase the round-cheeked maiden to refer to:

A. a cloud

B. the wind

C. a young woman

D. the sun

THEA Example1. In the selection, the writer uses the phrase

the round-cheeked maiden to refer to:A. a cloudB. the windC. a young womanD. the sun

The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a moment, it was a strange, round cheeked maiden with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

A. The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a moment, it was a strange cloud, with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.

B. The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a moment, it was a strange wind, with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.

C. The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a moment, it was a strange young woman, with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.

D. The fiery ball sank lower and lower in the sky. For a moment, it was a strange sun, with brilliant curly locks blowing out behind her in the wind. She floated, suspended above the rippled carpet of clouds, then silently slipped from sight.

Skill #3:Unfamiliar

and uncommon

words and phrases

THEA example:1. Which of the following is the best meaning

of the word restively as used in the paragraph?A. anxiouslyB. quietlyC. happily

How do I figure out the correct answer?

1. Use context clues words or sentences surrounding the

mystery word that assist you in determining its meaning

2. Use word structure This refers to how the mystery word is

built. Check for prefixes, familiar root words and suffixes.

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

1. Which of the following is the best meaning of the word restively as used in the paragraph?A. anxiouslyB. quietlyC. happily

Jason listened carefully. The horses neighed restively in their stalls. The henhouse practically shook with the birds’ anxious squawking. Drummer, the puppy, barked uneasily at Jason’s heels. All the animals seemed to sense that something was about to happen. Then, suddenly, the ranch was as quiescent as a deserted battlefield.

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.

A. Jason listened carefully. The horses neighed anxiously in their stalls. The henhouse practically shook with the birds’ anxious squawking. Drummer, the puppy, barked uneasily at Jason’s heels. All the animals seemed to sense that something was about to happen. Then, suddenly, the ranch was as quiescent as a deserted battlefield.

B. Jason listened carefully. The horses neighed quietly in their stalls. The henhouse practically shook with the birds’ anxious squawking. Drummer, the puppy, barked uneasily at Jason’s heels. All the animals seemed to sense that something was about to happen. Then, suddenly, the ranch was as quiescent as a deserted battlefield.

C. Jason listened carefully. The horses neighed happily in their stalls. The henhouse practically shook with the birds’ anxious squawking. Drummer, the puppy, barked uneasily at Jason’s heels. All the animals seemed to sense that something was about to happen. Then, suddenly, the ranch was as quiescent as a deserted battlefield.

Review1. Under the reading THEA Objective #1, what

are the three types of questions you will encounter?

2. What is a multiple meaning word? Explain. Give examples not mentioned on the notes.

3. What must you remember to do in order to correctly answer a multiple meaning word question?

4. Explain context clues.5. Explain word structure.6. Why is it important to know about figurative

expressions?

Always plug your choice into the paragraph to make sure in makes sense.