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30

Homographs
Many sets of English words are spelled the same but have different pronunciations and meanings. These sets of words are called homographs, from the Greek words homos, meaning same, and graphos, meaning written. They are often listed in separate numbered entries in the dictionary. The content of the package was a surprise to everyone. Max was very content with the gift it held. Homograph content1 content2 Pronunciation kJnP tDnt kEn-tDntP Part of Speech noun adjective Meaning

Teaching

what is contained in something satisfied

A. Identifying Homographs
Read each pair of sentences aloud. Then circle the correct pronunciation of each bold-faced homograph. You can also use a dictionary if needed.
EXAMPLE (tr, tr, tFr) Alex was not crying yet, but I saw a tear in his eye.

(tr, tr, tFr) This shirt is ruinedthere is a huge tear in the sleeve! 1. (bBs, bAs, bs) Leo enjoys fishing for bass and trout. (bBs, bAs, bs) Leos brother plays the bass in the orchestra. 2. (clJs, clIs, clIz) Please close the door so the dog doesnt get out. (clJs, clIs, clIz) Youre too close to the edge of the cliff! 3. (dOz, dIz, dz) Whatever he does, we wish him luck. (dOz, dIz, dz) Two does and their fawns just crossed the road. 4. (rG-krdP, rDkP Erd, rG-krdP) I want to record the interview so Ill know exactly what we said. (rG-krdP, rDkP uhrd, rG-krdP) Ill also take notes so well have a written record of the conversation. 5. (sLP Er, sIP Er, sP Er) If I were a better sewer, I would make my own clothes. (sLP Er, sIP Er, sP Er) Our sewer overflowed during the heavy rain last week. 6. (prDzP Ent, prG-zDntP, prGP-zDnt) I have to present my report in science class tomorrow. (prDzP Ent, prG-zDntP, prGP-zDnt) My favorite birthday present was a skateboard.
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7. (lCd, lDd, lFd) The drum major had to lead the band when the conductor was ill. (lCd, lDd, lFd) I was so tired that my legs felt like they were made of lead. 8. (bI, bIu, b) Be sure to bow to the audience after singing your song. (bI, bIu, b) If you tie your shoelaces in a double bow, they wont come loose. 9. (dOv, dIv, dv) Hillary dove right into the cold water. (dOv, dIv, dv) The dove is a close relation to the pigeon. 10. (mGnP Gt, mF-nLtP, mFP-nLt) Hold your horses; Ill be there in a minute. (mGnP Gt, mF-nLtP, mFP-nLt) The crack in the glass was so minute that I could hardly see it. Pronunciation Guide B pat G pit oi boy th thin A pay F pie ou out th this r care r pier M took hw which father J pot L boot zh vision D pet I toe O cut E about, item C be paw r urge N regionalism Stress marks: P (primary); Q (secondary), as in dictionary (dGkP shE-nDrQ C)
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Name
Lesson

Date

30

Homographs
B. Homographs in Action
Read the following passage aloud. Circle the correct pronunciation of each bold-faced homograph and write its definition. Use context clues and a dictionary to help you. Our object in visiting the desert was to learn how animals and plants live there. Although it was sunny, the wind and blowing sand soon began to affect our vision. I had to wind a scarf around my nose and mouth. I tried to object to the conditions, but couldnt even mouth the words. I was so covered with grit that I felt like a live sand sculpture.

More Practice

1. object (Jb-jDktP, JbP jGkt) meaning: ______________________________________________________ 2. desert (dDzP Ert, dG-zrtP) meaning: _____________________________________________________ 3. live (lFv, lGv) meaning: ________________________________________________________________ 4. wind (wFnd, wGnd) meaning: __________________________________________________________ 5. affect (E-fDktP, BfP DktQ) meaning: _______________________________________________________ 6. wind (wFnd, wGnd) meaning: __________________________________________________________ 7. mouth (mouth, mouth) meaning: ______________________________________________________ 8. object (Jb-jDktP, JbP jGkt) meaning: _____________________________________________________ 9. mouth (mouth, mouth) meaning: ______________________________________________________ 10. live (lFv, lGv) meaning: ________________________________________________________________

C. Vocabulary Challenge
Each item below contains a homograph in bold-faced type. Determine the correct way to pronounce each one. (Use a dictionary if needed.) Then write a word or phrase that rhymes with the homograph. in the next few weeks. rhyming word: go 1. Joe wound the hands of his wristwatch. Rhyming word: _________________________ 2. How can you refuse that generous offer? Rhyming word: _________________________ 3. Im really angry, so dont incense me more. Rhyming word: _________________________ 4. The magic of a sunset can totally entrance me. Rhyming word: _________________________ 5. Your license expired a month ago and is now invalid. Rhyming word: _________________________
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EXAMPLE If you want to grow a garden this year, you will need to sow seeds

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VOCABULARY