First-Time Readers Newsletter - April 2003

First-Time Readers		April 2003

New Words — New Meanings

The following exercises will help you improve your understanding of word meanings. As you improve your reading and writing skills, you will notice new and unfamiliar words. It is important that you learn the meaning of these words in order to understand what you read. Increasing your vocabulary will also improve your writing skills. You will learn new and better ways of expressing yourself.

Tip: You may need a dictionary to complete these exercises. A dictionary will help you find the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Exercise One:

Find three words that have the same meaning as the words listed below.

big
like
make
talk
fast
small

_______
_______
_______
_______
_______
_______

Exercise Two:

Look at the word groupings below. Imagine that you are writing a paragraph about a particular topic. Name the topic that most closely matches the word-grouping.

scored, checked, shot, skated _________________________________
sawed, split, lugged, stacked _________________________________
music, snacks, cake, celebration _________________________________
newborn, delivery, hospital, excitement _________________________________

Exercise Three:

Look at the words on the left and draw a line to the word on the right which best describes that word.

small

lovable

hate

beautiful

danger

peril

gorgeous

petite

adorable

detest

Exercise Four:

Below you will find four words. You will also find four different descriptions of people or things. Read the description and write the word from the list that best fits the situation. Follow the instructions to write another sentence.

Word list: tardy serene hilarious competent

John was always late for school. He was never on time.
Fill in the best word to describe John from the word list provided.

Write a short sentence that describes John's behavior using the word you selected from the list.
Mary's boss was very impressed with her ability to do her job. She could complete all tasks without difficulty.
Find the best word to describe Mary from the word list provided.

Imagine that you are Mary's boss. Write a short sentence to describe Mary using the word you selected from the list.
Sue and Tom love walking in the woods. They say the forest holds a quiet beauty that is very peaceful.
Find the best word to describe how Sue and Tom view the forest from the word list provided.

Using the word you selected from the list, write a short sentence describing something you find peaceful and quiet.
Jane and Bill took their children to the circus. The children laughed and laughed at the clowns. The children said the clowns were very funny.
Find the word that best describes how the children viewed the clowns from the word list provided.

Using the word you selected from the list, write a short sentence about something that you found very funny.