Synonyms, antonymsand acronyms

Curriculum links. Rw/L1.2 Recognise and understand the vocabulary associated with different types of text, using appropriate strategies to work out meaning

(a) Understand the types of word likely to be used in different kinds of text, depending on the context and purpose

(b) Understand the use and effect of specialist vocabulary in particular text types

Rw/L1.3 Recognise and understand an increasing range of vocabulary, applying knowledge of word structure, related words, word roots, derivations,

borrowings

(a) Understand that some words are related to each other in form and meaning, and use this knowledge to help understand new words (b) Understand that

prefixes and base/stem/root words can provide clues to meaning (c) Understand that languages borrow words from each other (d) Understand that suffixes

can provide clues to word class

Rw/L2.2 Use reference materials to: find the meanings of unfamiliar words to research a subject or topic

(a) Understand that there are different sources of information for word meanings, how they are structured, and the conventions they use, e.g. paper and

electronic dictionaries, glossaries, keys

(b) Understand that there are different types of dictionary, e.g. contemporary usage, slang, quotations, etymological, antonyms and synonyms

(c) Understand that it is possible to research a subject or topic from different sources, e.g. encyclopaedia, text books, internet, journals

Reference: Excellence Gateway (2009), Skills for Life, Core Curriculum http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/sflcurriculum

Jan 2012. Kindly contributed by Helen Holt, Lincoln College. Search for Helen on www.skillsworkshop.orgVisit the download page for this resource to find detailed teaching notes, curriculum links and related resources.

Teaching notesThis PPT accompanies four other resources: a Smart Notebook file and three worksheets. All are available on www.skillsworkshop.org

Helen Holt 2

SfL LITERACY

SYNONYMS,

ANTONYMS AND

ACRONYMS

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Session Outcomes

You will be able to:

• understand and know the difference

between synonyms, acronyms and

antonyms

• increase own range of vocabulary and

use of alternative words

• improve dictionary and thesaurus

skills

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What are synonyms?

• They are different words with

similar meanings

• …and can be any part of speech

(e.g. nouns, verbs, adjectives,

adverbs).

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Synonym Examples:

• Confused – muddled – puzzled – addled

• Love – affection – desire – lust

• Run – sprint – jog – trot – hurry

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Why learn synonyms?

…because, by giving us

numerous ways to say the

same thing, they make our

language and writing more

interesting and skilful.

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Activity

Using the hand-out, replace the highlighted

words with appropriate synonyms.

He went up the noisy stairs to the attic. The key to

the old door was muddy: he had dug it up from the

garden earlier that day. The lock made a clunk as

he turned the key and the door creaked as he

slowly pushed it open. It was cold and dark in the

attic. He could not believe what he saw between

the flashes of thunder from the angry storm.

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What are antonyms?

An antonym is the opposite meaning

of a word. For example:

• Narrow - wide broad open

• Hard - soft supple limp

• Strong - weak fragile shaky

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Write 3 antonyms for each

of the following words :

• Large –

• Noisy –

• Ugly –

• Easy –

• Young –

• Clever –

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What are acronyms:

Acronyms are shortened versions of a

word. They are usually formed using the

initial letter of each word. For example:

- BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)

- USA (United States of America)

- UN (United Nations)

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Activity 5: What do the following

acronyms stand for?

EMA MP

PM CV

VAT PIN

BT VW

NI DVD

CD JSA

FE ISA