Homographs

In the sentence, "I couldn't object to the plan because it seemed fair," what is the part of speech of the word object?

• Noun

• Verb

• Adjective

• Adverb

Answer explanation

In this context, 'object' is a verb meaning 'to express disapproval or disagreement.' A noun form would be 'an object,' referring to a thing.

Match each sentence to the correct meaning of the homograph in italics.

• To turn a key or handle to tighten a spring

• The boat will capsize in this strong wind.

• To bend the body forward as a sign of respect

• Please take a bow after your performance.

• A weapon for shooting arrows

• You need to wind the toy car to make it go.

• A natural movement of air

• The archer drew back his bow.

Answer explanation

Each sentence's context determines the specific meaning of the homograph. 'Bow' can be a weapon or a gesture, and 'wind' can be moving air or the action of turning something.

Which sentence uses the homograph desert to mean 'to abandon'?

• The Sahara is a vast, sandy desert.

• A good friend would never desert you in a time of need.

• For dessert, we had ice cream and cake.

• The oasis was a welcome sight in the hot desert.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence uses 'desert' as a verb meaning to leave or abandon. The other options use 'desert' as a noun (a dry region) or misspell it as 'dessert' (a sweet food), which is a homophone.

Sort the sentences into two categories based on the meaning of the homograph tear.

Groups:

(a) To rip or pull apart

,

(b) A drop of water from the eye

• The sad movie made a tear come to my eye.

• Be careful not to tear the page when you turn it.

• He had to tear open the package to see what was inside.

• A single tear rolled down her cheek.

Answer explanation

The sentences are sorted based on which of the two meanings of 'tear' is used. The pronunciation also changes: /tɛər/ for ripping and /tɪər/ for a drop from the eye.

In the word record, how does the meaning change when the stress moves from the first syllable (REC-ord) to the second (re-CORD)?

• It changes from a verb (to write down) to a noun (a collection of information).

• It changes from a noun (a collection of information) to a verb (to write down).

• It changes from an adjective (best ever) to a noun (a vinyl disk).

• The meaning does not change with the stress pattern.

Answer explanation

When the stress is on the first syllable (REC-ord), it's a noun, like a school record or a world record. When the stress is on the second syllable (re-CORD), it's a verb, meaning to capture sound or information.

In which sentence does the word bass rhyme with 'ace'?

• He plays the bass guitar in a rock band.

• My dad caught a huge largemouth bass at the lake.

• The DJ turned up the bass to make the floor shake.

• Her voice has a very low, deep bass quality.

Answer explanation

The word 'bass' (a type of fish) is pronounced /bæs/ and rhymes with 'pass'. The word 'bass' (a low musical tone) is pronounced /beɪs/ and rhymes with 'ace'.

Read the sentences below. Which option correctly identifies the part of speech for the word permit in each sentence?

Sentence 1: You need a parking permit for this lot.
Sentence 2: My parents will not permit me to go.

• Sentence 1: Verb; Sentence 2: Noun

• Sentence 1: Adjective; Sentence 2: Verb

• Sentence 1: Noun; Sentence 2: Verb

• Sentence 1: Noun; Sentence 2: Noun

Answer explanation

In Sentence 1, 'permit' (pronounced PER-mit) is a thing (a document), which is a noun. In Sentence 2, 'permit' (pronounced per-MIT) is an action (to allow), which is a verb.

Read the sentence: "The details in the drawing were so minute, you needed a magnifying glass to see them." What does minute mean here?

• A unit of time equal to 60 seconds

• Extremely small

• A written record of a meeting

• Important or significant

Answer explanation

In this context, 'minute' (pronounced my-NOOT) is an adjective meaning very small. This is different from 'minute' (pronounced MIN-it), which is a noun referring to a unit of time.

Sort these homographs into categories based on whether their pronunciation changes with their meaning.

Groups:

(a) Pronunciation Changes

,

(b) Pronunciation Stays the Same

• lead

• bat

• bow

• read

• live

• fly

Answer explanation

Some homographs (like 'live' or 'read') change pronunciation depending on their meaning, while others (like 'bat' or 'fly') are pronounced the same regardless of their meaning (an animal vs. a piece of sports equipment).

Which of the following pairs of words are homographs?

• there / their

• bat / bat

• accept / except

• run / jog

Answer explanation

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. 'Bat' (animal) and 'bat' (sports equipment) fit this definition. 'There/their' are homophones (sound the same), and 'run/jog' are synonyms.