En anglais

Using a Thesaurus to Choose Words

English · Vocabulary · ages 10-11

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Sam keeps using the word 'nice' in his story. He wants a different word with the same meaning, so he does not repeat 'nice'. Which option best serves that goal?
- Check if 'nice' is spelled correctly
- Find synonyms like 'pleasant' to use
- Find the opposite of 'nice'
What is a thesaurus mainly used for?
- Finding words with similar meanings
- Finding how to spell a word
- Finding the meaning of a word you don't know
A thesaurus will tell you exactly which synonym to use in every sentence.
Circle one: True False
Which word most strongly suggests unhealthy thinness?
- scrawny
- slim
- skinny
Ben burst through the door and ____, 'We won the match!' A thesaurus lists whispered, shouted, and mumbled for 'said'. Which fits best?
- whispered
- mumbled
- shouted
A thesaurus entry for 'fast' lists these words. Synonyms: quick, speedy, swift, rapid. Antonyms: slow, unhurried. How many synonyms are listed?
Answer: ______________
Tom writes about a calm, content kitten: 'The kitten was furious as it napped in the sun.' What went wrong with his word choice?
- 'Furious' means very frightened, which does not fit a calm kitten
- 'Furious' means very excited, which does not fit a calm kitten
- 'Furious' means very angry, which does not fit a calm kitten
Priya is writing a formal letter to her principal. Her sentence is: 'I would like to get a copy of the timetable.' She swaps 'get' for 'grab' from the thesaurus. What is the problem?
- 'Grab' is too formal for a formal letter
- 'Grab' is too casual for a formal letter
- 'Grab' means something different from 'get' here

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Using a Thesaurus to Choose Words W1-mt_saW7PxtPxw-s1

Find synonyms like 'pleasant' to use · A thesaurus offers synonyms so Sam can swap 'nice' for something fresher. Sam needs a fresh word for a word he keeps repeating, not a spelling check.
Finding words with similar meanings · A thesaurus lists synonyms, words that mean nearly the same thing as the word you look up.
False · A thesaurus gives you a list of options. You still have to choose the one that fits your sentence.
scrawny · 'Scrawny' suggests thin in an unhealthy way, while 'slim' sounds like a compliment. They share a meaning but carry a different connotation.
shouted · Bursting in with exciting news matches a loud, excited word. 'Whispered' and 'mumbled' both sound too quiet for this moment.
4 · Count only the words under Synonyms: quick, speedy, swift and rapid. That is four words. Do not count slow and unhurried, because they are under Antonyms.
'Furious' means very angry, which does not fit a calm kitten · Tom meant a calm feeling. 'Furious' means very angry, not frightened or excited, so it does not fit a calm kitten.
'Grab' is too casual for a formal letter · 'Grab' can mean get a copy here, so the meaning is close. The problem is tone: 'grab' sounds casual, while a letter to a principal needs formal language.