Answering Questions About Word Meaning
English: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 1.7.2
Answering Questions About Word Meaning
If we are unsure of the meaning of a word, we can use the context around it for clues.
Using clues
- Sometimes we see a word we don't know.
- To find its meaning, we can make a clever guess.
- We can look at the words and sentences around the word we don't know.
- The words and sentences around the word we don't know can give us clues.
Example: text
- 'The farmer stooped over as she dragged her harrow through the hard, dry soil, which erupted into rock-like clumps.'
Example: word
- Maybe we don't know what a 'harrow' is.
- But we can deduce that it is a tool that farmers use to break up the soil.
Test yourself on Answering Questions About Word Meaning
What clues can you use to understand a word you don't understand?
What does 'crept' mean in this sentence?
'The fox crept silently along the forest edge, its ears pricked and eyes alert, scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.'
What does 'clenched' mean in this sentence?
'Sam clenched his fists as he waited for the results, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife.'
What does 'groaned' mean in this sentence?
'The old house groaned in the wind, its wooden shutters flapping and its roof tiles rattling with every strong gust.'