• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Context clues: working out meaning from the whole passage; Words with more than one meaning). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. What does the word in brackets mean in THIS sentence? The bat flew out of the cave at dusk. (bat) (to blink / to hit something / a stick for hitting a ball / a flying animal) → a flying animalPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.
2. Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? Leila was so ENGROSSED in her book that she didn't hear the doorbell ring three times. (completely absorbed / annoyed / confused / bored) → completely absorbedPrompt: There is no direct definition here. What is happening in the rest of the sentence?
3. Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The scientist's claim was met with SCEPTICISM; several colleagues asked to see her data before they would accept it. (doubt / anger / applause / confusion) → doubtPrompt: Look for what happens next or what causes what: these are your clues.

• Show an interesting word in a sentence and ask what it might mean from the clues around it.
• Share the objective: Multiple-meaning words: 'most nearly means' in context. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: As used in the sentence, the word in capitals most nearly means: The old warehouse will HOUSE the new art collection.
• Step 1: Many words have several meanings; context tells you which one the writer intends.
• Step 2: So the answer is: contain
• Answer: contain
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Is the proposed answer correct? The museum's director RETIRED the old exhibit to make room for new work. → went to bed (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: The most common meaning of the word is often a trap. Read the whole sentence.
2. As used in the sentence, the word in capitals most nearly means: The author's TREATMENT of the topic is balanced and fair. (handling, way of dealing with / reward / medical care / entertainment) → handling, way of dealing withPrompt: The most common meaning of the word is often a trap. Read the whole sentence.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Is the proposed answer correct? Scientists were careful to QUALIFY their conclusions, noting several limits of the study. → celebrate (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: The most common meaning of the word is often a trap. Read the whole sentence.
2. As used in the sentence, the word in capitals most nearly means: The museum's director RETIRED the old exhibit to make room for new work. (moved house / went to bed / stopped working / withdrew from use) → withdrew from usePrompt: The most common meaning of the word is often a trap. Read the whole sentence.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-9.