Multiple-Meaning Words: Homographs

Contributed by:
Ivan
These are multiple-meaning words that have the exact spelling but different meanings given the context of the sentence in which they are used
1. 5th grade
R 1.3
2. Learning Objective
* We will identify and use
3. Read the following sentences:
1. Jill got water from the well.
2. Jill wasn’t feeling well at school today.
well (n.) — a deep hole from which water is drawn
well (adj.) — healthy

Do they have the same meaning? Words that have the same spelling but different meanings are
called homographs. Today, we use homographs.
4. Homographs (multiple-meaning words) are
words that have the same spelling but different
They can be pronounced differently or the same.
You can only explain the meaning of a homograph by looking at how it is used in a sentence.
Example: ds
1. The dove flew by the window.
2. She dove into the pool.
dove /dav/ (n.)—a small white bird
dove /douv/ (v.)—the past tense of dive

1. The knight drew his sword.
2. It was the middle of the night.
Knight /nit/ (n.) -a soldier who followed the king
Night /nit/ (n.) -when it is dark outside
5. What are homographs?
Which of these are examples of
a. flour, flower
b. light, light
How did you know that?
6. It is important to be able to use
homographs because:
* the same word can have different
* you can better understand what you
are reading.
* it can be tested on the CST.
No CST questions have been released for homographs.
Why it is important to be able to use homographs? (pair-share)
You may give me my reason or one of your own.
7.

Step #1: Read the sentences and
circle the homographs.
Step #2: Underline words in the
sentence that help explain
the meaning of the
Step #3: Circle the correct meaning
for the homograph in each
Step #4: Write two complete
sentences using the

8. Step #1: Read the sentences and circle the homographs.
Step #2: Underline words in the sentence that help explain the
meaning of the homograph.
Step #3: Circle the correct meaning for the homograph in each
Step #4: Write two complete sentences using the homographs.
Anna was supposed toGlosethe door. (to shut? near)

The students are sitting too costo each other.
(to shutPlease close the door after coming inside.
There are several monkeys close to the bars in the cage.
Guided Practice
Why did | choose “close” as a homograph? “| do”
How did | determine the different meanings?
9. Step #1: Read the sentences and circle the homographs.
Step #2: Underline words in the sentence that help explain the meaning of the homograph
Step #3: Circle the correct meaning for the homograph in each sentence.
Step #4: Write two complete sentences using the homographs.
This tree has thickbark>
(Cover of a tree sound made by a dog)
The louccbarkkept me awake.
(cover of a tree



The bark of the tree is
rede dogs bark every night.
How did I know which words were homographs? Guided Practice
How did I know which words to underline? We do
How did I determine the correct meaning of the homographs?
10. Step #1: Read the sentences and circle the homographs.
Step #2: Underline words in the sentence that help explain the meaning of the homograph
Step #3: Circle the correct meaning for the homograph in each sentence.
Step #4: Write two complete sentences using the homographs.
Did the soldier@esertthe army?
C(leavée>dry and sandy place)
He walked in the hotdeserpwithout water.
(leavexdry and sandy place)
The kids planned to desert their parents as soon as they got to the park.
The plane will fly over the desert.
Do Step #1 and show. Guided Practice:
How did you know which words were homographs? “You do”
Do Step #2... Do Step #3...
How do you determine the meaning of each homograph?
11. 1. What are words that have the same spelling but different meanings?
2. What did you learn today about using homographs? Why is it important
to you?
3. Use the homographs below.
Step #1: Read the sentences and circle the homographs.
Step #2: Underline words in the sentence that help explain the meaning of the homograph
Step #3: Circle the correct meaning for the homograph in each sentence.
Step #4: Write two complete sentences using the homographs.

She went to see theplayat her school.
“Do youplay basketball?” asked Ryan.
(story for theatre;take part in a game)>
12. Independent Practice
* Follow the steps to identify and use