Internet Academy

Reading

	Federal Way Public Schools

Comprehension
Lesson 4

Interpreting Vocabulary

Objectives/Vocab/Tips > Examples 1 | 2 | 3 > Practice: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 > Self Check

Example 2:

To use some of the tips and tools we reviewed, let's work with some new words or phrases and explore their meaning from the context, or words surrounding them.

Instruction:

Here's another story we previously read. Let's open the text of "From the Land and Back." Read the first paragraph again and then go on to the question about a phrase you will encounter.

Often we encounter words that have multiple meanings. "Stock" has different definitions and it is very important to grasp the meaning of a passage, to be able to interpret which meaning fits this particular situation or context. Read the question carefully after reviewing the passage.

From the Land and Back

Question:

What does the phrase stock in tow in the first paragraph after the headnote tell about the first family who stops at the farm in this story?

Think:

Change the question to a statement using each answer one at a time. This will help you find out if it makes sense.
Take into account the whole story. What do you already know it is about? What is the setting? What is the situation? Who are the characters and what do they do? Being aware of these questions will help you eliminate answers.
If you can, what do you think the answer might be, even before looking at the choices you have? If you can figure out already what "stock in tow" means, you're a step ahead when you read the choices.
Which choices can you eliminate right away, and which are possibly correct answers?
Remember the "YES, NO, MAYBE" tool.

Multiple Choice Answers:

Yes	No	Maybe		Answers
			A.	They own stock and bonds.
			B.	They were farmers who brought animals with them.
			C.	They brought along personal possessions such as furniture.
			D.	They are carrying merchandise from a local store.

Check your responses with these explanations:

Example 3 >>