2.1.7
Serious About Synonyms
Purpose
Students will understand the meaning of synonyms (and antonyms) and
learn how to apply them to make their writing more specific or
expressive.
Materials
For the teacher: blank overhead transparency, overhead projector,
chalk, chalkboard
For the students: student paragraphs, several copies of a thesaurus,
3" x 5" index cards, copies of Black Line Master (BLM) Synonyms Make
Writing Sweeter
Activity
A.Pre-Activity Preparation
Write a sample paragraph on the overhead transparency to use
as a demonstration.
B. Pre-Activity Discussion
1. Define synonyms and write the definition on the chalkboard.
2. Place the overhead transparency on the projector, and read
several sentences from the sample paragraph aloud.
3. Select one word (e.g., an adjective or action verb), and explain
that you are going to find an alternative in the thesaurus.
4. Demonstrate how to use the thesaurus so the students will be
able to complete the task independently later on.
5. Let the students decide whether or not you should use the word
from the thesaurus to replace the word in your draft by asking
them: “Does the word make the paragraph better?”
6. Repeat this process with a word in each sentence, and explain to
students that different words with similar meanings are called
synonyms.
7. Explain to students that they will be finding synonyms for words
in their written paragraphs.
C. Activity: Finding Synonyms
1. Tell the students to look at their selected paragraphs for at least
five words for which they will find synonyms. Have the students
underline the words. Suggest commonly used words like nice,
good, or fun.
(continued)
Standard 1 / Activity 5
Indiana English/Language Arts Grade 2 Curriculum Framework, March 2002
incorporating
TECHNOLOGY
Type the same
paragraph on the
computer and
demonstrate how to
use the word
processor’s thesaurus
function. Have students
compose their own
sentences and use the
thesaurus to
revise them.
extending
THE
ACTIVITY
Create small teams of
“editors.” Have
members read through
one or more drafts of
papers and suggest
synonyms that will
make the writing more
clear and descriptive.
Standards Link
2.1.9
page 35
Standard 1
Standard Indicator
Standard 1
Activity (continued)
2. Pass out a 3" x 5" card to each student.
3. Instruct students to use the thesauruses provided to find
synonyms for the words they have underlined. Have each student
print the selected words on the 3" x 5" card with their
corresponding synonyms.
4. Distribute copies of the BLM Synonyms Make Writing Sweeter for
students to complete.
5. Repeat the activity for antonyms, explaining that writers use
antonyms to change, rather than enhance, the meaning of their
sentences.
D. Close the Activity
1. Have students volunteer to explain to the class what a synonym
is and why it helps to know or find synonyms for words they
want to use.
2. Ask students to provide examples of the synonyms they discover,
and write them on the chalkboard.
3. Type the word sets created in this activity on a piece of paper
headed “Synonyms” and distribute copies to the class for students
to keep in their writing folders.
Classroom Assessment
Basic Concepts and Processes
As you complete this activity, ask students the following questions:
Can you find synonyms or antonyms for words in the thesaurus?
What steps do you follow to find synonyms or antonyms?
Can you explain the difference between synonyms and antonyms?
What difference can synonyms and antonyms make in your
writing?
page 36
Standard 1 / Activity 5
Indiana English/Language Arts Grade 2 Curriculum Framework, March 2002
Name:
SYNONYMS MAKE WRITING SWEETER
Directions: Using a thesaurus, find synonyms for the words that are
underlined. Print each new word on top of the one with the line under it.
Mrs. Mark’s class is having a good time. They are reading about
some funny animals. These are real animals that we have never seen.
They live in neat places. We never go there. They eat some stuff we have
never seen.
So everyone is learning about some animals. They are really
something to see. We are drawing nice pictures of them. Then we give
them funny names that make people laugh. We write how different they
look. We tell how they do these things that would surprise you!
Standard 1 / Activity 5
Indiana English/Language Arts Grade 2 Curriculum Framework, March 2002
Black Line Master 1
page 37
SYNONYMS MAKE WRITING SWEETER
Teacher Directions
Pass out a copy of the BLM Synonyms Make Writing Sweeter to each student. Have volunteers
read the instructions at the top of the page, and answer any questions about what students are
supposed to do.
Ensure student understanding of the task by completing a few sample items as a class (make sure
copies of the thesaurus are available). Collect the papers for evaluation, and discuss the activity
worksheet. Have the students recall their examples, and discuss the synonyms used.
Answer Key
Answers will vary. Make sure students have found appropriate synonyms for all 10 items.
Black Line Master 1
page 38
Standard 1 / Activity 5
Indiana English/Language Arts Grade 2 Curriculum Framework, March 2002