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WORDS can be related in various ways. Some are synonyms, words with similar meanings. Some antonyms, words with opposite meanings. Others are related as homonyms, words with the same spelling and pronunciation but with different meanings. Strategies for building vocabulary. By increasing your knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms, you can broaden your understanding of words and thus become a more skilful reader and writer.
Collect synonyms — If you know many synonyms, you will be better able to choose the most appropriate words to use in your writing. Dictionaries and thesauruses are invaluable aids for finding and learning synonyms. Learn antonyms — Antonyms are especially useful when you want to express contrasts. If you do not find references like dictionaries of synonyms and antonyms try adding the prefixes anti-, in-, un-, and ex- to the word to explore opposites. Also, look up the word’s definition in a standard dictionary and then guess what words might have opposite meanings.
Vocabulary in action. Exercise word meaning. Write a word that is most different in meaning from the other words in the set: 1 (a) stop (b) stir (c) urge (d) instigate 2 (a) predominating (b) dominating (c) ruling (d) missing 3.(a) culvert, (b) vestibule (c) foyer (d) anteroom. 4. (a) history (b) record (c) chronicle (d) prediction. 5 (a) stream (b) river (c) brook (d) cascade 6. (a) assertion, (b) declaration, (c) denial (d) statement 7. (a) desired (b) coveted, (c) craved, (d) unwanted 8. (a) carelessness (b) caution (c) prudence (d) wisdom 9. (a) limber, (b) agile (c) clumsy, (d) flexible 10. (a) important, (b) unnecessary, (c) inconsequential, (d) insignificant
Here are examples of homonyms and their meanings: Homonyms: pole — a stick, and pole an end of the earth’s axis. Bark — the outer covering of a tree, and bark — a sailing ship. Sage — a wise person and sage a herb. Grouse — a game bird. Grouse — to grumble, complete. Learners at secondary or high school are aware that they will be tested on their ability to read and understand many different kinds of reading selections. These tests will assess learners’ basic comprehension of ideas and knowledge of vocabulary.
They will also check the learners’ ability to analyse and evaluate both the message of the text and the techniques the writer uses in getting that message across. Consider the following strategies for reading a test selection proffered by some experts: Before you begin reading, skim the questions that follow the passage. These can help focus the learner’s reading. Use your active reading strategies such as analysing, predicting and questioning.
Think about the title if provided with one. What does it suggest about the overall message or theme of the selection? Look for main ideas often stated at the beginning or ends of paragraphs. Sometimes they are implied, not stated. After reading each paragraph, ask, “What was the passage about?” Note the literary elements and techniques used by the writer. For example, be aware of tone (writer’s attitude towards the subject), point of view, figurative language or other elements that catch your attention. Then ask yourself what effect the writer achieves with each choice.
Unlock word meanings. Use content clues and word parts to help you unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words. Think about the message or theme.
What larger lesson can you draw from the passage? Can you infer anything or make generalisations about other similar situations, human beings or life in general? Learners can also try the following word meaning exercise to improve their vocabulary — write the word that is not related in meaning to the other words in use:
(a) exhilarate (b) depress (c) invigorate (d) excite 2. (a) begin (b) start (c) finish (d) inaugurate 3. (a) squander (b) waste (c) conserve (d) misuse 4. (a) cavort (b) bound (c) prance (d) goad 5. (a) write (b) robust (c) prosaic (d) forceful (e) retreat (b) urge (c) spur (d) goad 7 (a) cut (b) separate (c) join (d) sever 8. (a) conspiracy (b) privacy (c) solitude (d) isolation 9. (a) willing (b) eager (c) non-committal (10) glaring (b) simple (c) flashy (d) garish.
Write a word that is a synonym of each vocabulary word selected from the given options: 1. Vulnerability; (a) charm, (b) sensitivity, (c) immunity. 2. Demeanour: (a) behaviour, (b) rudeness, (c) intelligence. 3. Deprivation (a) hardship, (b) publicity (c) bravery. 4. Grotesque (a) huge, (b) mean (c) deformed. 5. Agitated (a) puzzled, (b) humble, (c) jumpy. 6. Devoid (a) empty, (b) roomy, (c) scarce 7. Trepidation (a) anxiety (b) loyalty (c) shock. 8. Animosity (a) cruelty, (b) jealousy, (c) hostility. 9. Disjunction (a) collision (b) disconnection, (c) loneliness. 10. Intrigue (a) worry, (b) fascinate, (c) affect.
Note that this is not the only method of acquiring new vocabulary. There are many more especially where learners get clues of what words mean through the context. Make sure you use correct spelling if you are to be understood. Wrong spelt words tend to distort intended messages.
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