Identify the Meaning of Words from a Story

This activity is all about the meaning of words we come across in texts.

When reading a story or non-fiction text, we may come across a completely new word.

This may leave us feeling a bit stuck as we don't know what the new word means.

Have no fear as we can use the words around the new word to help us make a clever guess about its meaning.

This is called using the context

Read the opening of the story below.

A Triathlon to Remember

Jay looked into the calm saltwater lagoon; its surface was sparkling under the sun like a diamond ring. He had spent the past six months tiringly training for this triathlon and finally, the moment had arrived. Cautiously, Jay tested the water, listening for the starting horn. As the horn sounded, Jay dived into the water like a starving dolphin on the search for food. His powerful arms pulled him forwards with every stroke. When he heard the splashing of other swimmers getting closer, he pushed himself harder. Reaching the finishing line in no time, Jay pulled himself out from the water to see that he was in the lead. The water lapped up and down on the rocks like it was giving him a round of applause before he began the next section of the race.

Which word in this opening is a synonym for top?

A synonym is a word with the same or very similar meaning.

When we answer questions like this, we need to re-read the entire text to find the perfect word.

Lucky for us, the word was hiding in the first sentence.

Surface is a synonym for top.

In this activity, you'll be answering questions about the meaning of words in a text and finding synonyms. Good luck.