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English lesson plan · 9th grade (Year 10 in England) · 45 minutes

Multiple-meaning words: 'most nearly means' in context

Vocabulary

CCSS L.9-10.4.ACCSS RI.9-10.4England: SAT Reading and Writing (Words in Context)England: ACT ReadingEngland: GCSE English Language Paper 1 Q2

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Multiple-meaning words: 'most nearly means' in context.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Context clues: working out meaning from the whole passage; Words with more than one meaning

Leads to: High-utility SAT words (set A): corroborate, mitigate, pragmatic…

Materials: Word cards, A thesaurus or dictionary, A short text with the target words, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 5 min

  • 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? I can't bear to watch scary films. (bear) (put up with / a large furry animal / carry / bare) → put up withPrompt: Many words have more than one meaning.
  2. Read the whole sentence. What does the word in capitals most likely mean? The town was DESOLATE after the factory closed: shops were boarded up and the streets were empty. (empty and gloomy / busy and lively / noisy / modern) → empty and gloomyPrompt: 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. (confusion / doubt / anger / applause) → doubtPrompt: Look for what happens next or what causes what: these are your clues.

Hook · 5 min

  • 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.

I do: model it · 10 min

  • 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.

We do: guided practice · 10 min

  • 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 film's ending was STRIKING in its simplicity. → remarkable (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → yes, it is 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: After the coach left, Leila ASSUMED the role of captain. (guessed / pretended / took on / supposed) → took onPrompt: The most common meaning of the word is often a trap. Read the whole sentence.

You do: independent practice · 10 min

  • 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.

Exit ticket · 5 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Is the proposed answer correct? The report gave a SOBER assessment of the risks, avoiding both panic and false hope. → serious and realistic (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → yes, it is 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 castle has a COMMANDING view of the valley. (wide, dominating / strict / ordering / military) → wide, dominatingPrompt: The most common meaning of the word is often a trap. Read the whole sentence.

Watch out for

  • Picking a "bigger" synonym that doesn't fit the meaning.
  • Ignoring the clues in the rest of the sentence.

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Context clues: working out meaning from the whole passage.
  • Use concrete materials: word cards.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: High-utility SAT words (set A): corroborate, mitigate, pragmatic….
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

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

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Multiple-meaning words: 'most nearly means' in context

Name

Date

Score/ 8

  1. Question 1

    Is the proposed answer correct? The film's ending was STRIKING in its simplicity. → remarkable

    • A. yes, it is correct
    • B. no, it is not correct

  2. Question 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.

    • A. stopped working
    • B. withdrew from use
    • C. moved house
    • D. went to bed

  3. Question 3

    Is the proposed answer correct? The report gave a SOBER assessment of the risks, avoiding both panic and false hope. → serious and realistic

    • A. yes, it is correct
    • B. no, it is not correct

  4. Question 4

    As used in the sentence, the word in capitals most nearly means: Several parents RAISED concerns about the new timetable.

    • A. grew
    • B. brought up
    • C. increased
    • D. lifted

  5. Question 5

    Is the proposed answer correct? The castle has a COMMANDING view of the valley. → wide, dominating

    • A. yes, it is correct
    • B. no, it is not correct

  6. Question 6

    As used in the sentence, the word in capitals most nearly means: After the coach left, Leila ASSUMED the role of captain.

    • A. pretended
    • B. guessed
    • C. supposed
    • D. took on

  7. Question 7

    Is the proposed answer correct? Her account of the journey was CHARGED with emotion. → accused

    • A. yes, it is correct
    • B. no, it is not correct

  8. Question 8

    Is the proposed answer correct? The report gave a SOBER assessment of the risks, avoiding both panic and false hope. → dull and boring

    • A. yes, it is correct
    • B. no, it is not correct

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Answer key: Multiple-meaning words: 'most nearly means' in context

  1. 1. A. yes, it is correct

  2. 2. B. withdrew from use

  3. 3. A. yes, it is correct

  4. 4. B. brought up

  5. 5. A. yes, it is correct

  6. 6. D. took on

  7. 7. B. no, it is not correct

  8. 8. B. no, it is not correct