---
title: "Discussing and Questioning New Words"
description: "Ask and answer questions about unknown words in texts; discuss word meanings and link new vocabulary to words already known"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/discussing-and-questioning-new-words-mt_6-MYToNZ39
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/discussing-and-questioning-new-words-mt_6-MYToNZ39.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Discussing and Questioning New Words

Ask and answer questions about unknown words in texts; discuss word meanings and link new vocabulary to words already known

Subject: English · Area: Vocabulary · Ages 5 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/discussing-and-questioning-new-words-mt_6-MYToNZ39

## Ready when they can

- Ask 'What does ___ mean?' when meeting unfamiliar words during reading
- Use context and pictures to work out what a new word might mean
- Explain a new word by connecting it to a known word (e.g. 'enormous means really really big')

## Lesson: Figuring Out New Words

Sometimes you read a word you do not know. Stop and ask, 'What does that word mean?' Asking is smart, not silly.

**Example.** Mia reads about a giant. The book says the giant is 'enormous.' Mia asks, 'What does enormous mean?' She looks at the picture. The giant looks huge. Enormous means really really big.

*(drawing: Follow these steps when you meet a new word.)*

**Tip.** You can also connect new words to words you know. Enormous is like saying super big. That helps you remember it.

**Recap.** Ask what a word means. Use clues and connect it to a word you know.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Opens up

- [Word Parts as Clues](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/word-parts-as-clues-mt_aw0PldeT_L)
- [Defining Words](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/defining-words-mt_f_dMmvzxwo)
- [Expressive and Sensory Language](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/expressive-and-sensory-language-mt_fL1Xz8ostr)
- [Using New Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/using-new-vocabulary-mt_NP101Zl-4g)
- [Domain Vocabulary Across Subject Areas](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/domain-vocabulary-across-subject-areas-mt_WzOyJFKDIu)