Unlocking Word Meaning
Aligned to L.9-10.4 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
Figure out unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words using context clues, familiar roots and affixes, and reference tools to confirm.
Worked example
In 'the benevolent judge reduced the fine,' the root bene- ('good') plus the kind action signals that 'benevolent' means well-meaning — a dictionary then confirms it.
Practice questions
- Use context to guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
- Break a long word into a root and affix to infer its meaning.
- Explain how a dictionary settles a multiple-meaning word.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Descifrar el significado de las palabras
Deduce palabras desconocidas o de varios significados con pistas del contexto, raíces y afijos conocidos, y herramientas de referencia para confirmar.
Ejemplo: En «el juez benévolo redujo la multa», la raíz bene- («bien») más la acción amable señalan que «benévolo» significa bien intencionado; un diccionario luego lo confirma.
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