BuildPhrase · Grade 11 · Free activity

Become a word detective

Explain an unfamiliar word using a clue, then verify that the meaning fits.

Name: __________________________ Date: ______________

Open the images in the images folder to read the visual lesson. Use your browser’s Print command to print this worksheet or save it as PDF. The answer key is separate.

Read and notice

Read the sentence and the nearby ideas first.
Look for a definition, example or contrast clue.
Word parts can help: re- often means again, as in reread.
Grammar shows how a word works in its sentence.
Try a meaning, verify it in a glossary or dictionary, then reread the sentence. Choose the meaning that fits the context.

“The chart shows a gradual rise, increasing little by little.” The words “increasing little by little” explain gradual. A suitable meaning is slow and steady. Check a dictionary, then reread to see whether it fits.

Quick check

1. In “A caption, a short explanation beneath a visual”, what does caption mean?

☐ A short explanation beneath a visual

☐ A type of drawing tool

☐ The largest number on a graph

2. What does reread mean?

☐ Stop reading

☐ Read very quickly

☐ Read again

3. In “a gradual rise, increasing little by little”, what helps explain gradual?

☐ The word chart alone

☐ The phrase increasing little by little

☐ The full stop only

Build your response

Write a word and its sentence
My unfamiliar word is _____. The sentence is “_____”.

Find the clue
The clue is “_____”. It is a _____ clue.

Try a meaning
I think _____ means _____.

Verify and reread
I checked _____. The meaning fits because _____.

Review

☐ I copied the word and its context.

☐ I identified a useful clue.

☐ I checked a reliable reference.

☐ I reread the sentence with my chosen meaning.