Synonyms, antonyms
and acronyms
Teaching notes
Jan 2012. Kindly contributed by Helen Holt, Lincoln College.
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teaching notes, curriculum links and related resources.
This PPT accompanies
four other resources: a
Smart Notebook file and
three worksheets.
All are available on
www.skillsworkshop.org
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
SfL LITERACY
SYNONYMS,
ANTONYMS AND
ACRONYMS
Helen Holt
2
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
Helen Holt
3
What are
synonyms?
• They are different words with
similar meanings
• …and can be any part of speech
(e.g. nouns, verbs, adjectives,
adverbs).
Helen Holt
4
Synonym Examples:
• Confused
– muddled – puzzled – addled
• Love
– affection – desire – lust
• Run
– sprint – jog – trot – hurry
Helen Holt
5
Why learn synonyms?
…because, by giving us
numerous ways to say the
same thing, they make our
language and writing more
interesting and skilful.
Helen Holt
6
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.
Helen Holt
7
antonyms?
What are
An antonym is the opposite meaning
of a word. For example:
•
Narrow -
•
Hard
-
•
Strong
-
wide
broad
open
soft
supple
limp
weak
fragile
shaky
Helen Holt
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Write 3 antonyms for each
of the following words :
• Large –
• Noisy –
• Ugly –
• Easy –
• Young –
• Clever –
Helen Holt
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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)
Helen Holt
10
Activity 5: What do the following
acronyms stand for?
EMA
MP
PM
CV
VAT
PIN
BT
VW
NI
DVD
CD
JSA
FE
ISA
Helen Holt
11
Any Questions?
Helen Holt
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