Antonyms and synonyms
Vocabulary
Definition
An antonym is described as “a word or word group with a meaning opposite to that of another word or word group, for example hot (cold), go away (come back).”
A synonym is described as “a word or word group with the same or similar meaning as another word or word group, for example want (desire), go away (leave).” (NSW English K-10 Glossary)
Teaching and learning strategies
The resources below provide targeted teaching strategies to support student improvement in this skill.
Each downloadable lesson activity includes:
learning intentions
a list of required resources
a step-by-step lesson sequence
printable classroom materials
Select the download all icon to download all available activities or select each activity separately.
PLAN2 Areas of focus
An Areas of focus template has been created in PLAN2 to support targeted teaching of Text structure in your learning area.
Search for the DoE template titled ‘DoE HSCMinStd Writing: Text structure’ in the Areas of focus template library tab within the Plan menu, and customise it for your students’ needs.
For more information about using PLAN2 Areas of focus templates with this resource, visit the Using this resource with PLAN2 page.
Relevance to reading test marking
The feedback for a Level 3 performance in the HSC minimum standard online reading test states:
Individuals performing at this level typically “recognise common expressions, and understand that words may have different meanings in different contexts” and “use strategies to predict the meaning of unknown words”.
In the reading test, students apply knowledge of antonyms and synonyms to support their understanding of word meanings in the texts they read.
Connections with ACSF Level 3 descriptors
The relevant Level 3 ACSF descriptors for reading are shown here to demonstrate how antonyms and synonyms are assessed in the HSC minimum standard online test. The performance features identified show what a student is able to do in order to achieve at this level and are provided to support teachers to understand what is required to achieve a Level 3 in this skill.
Reading Indicator .03: Audience, purpose and meaning-making
Focus area: Critical reading and text analysis
Level 3 performance features:
recognises that words and grammatical choices may carry particular shades of meaning in different contexts – recognises that authors select structure, tone and language to achieve specific purposes
Reading Indicator .04: Reading strategies
Focus area: Vocabulary
Level 3 performance features:
understands that some words and phrases have figurative meanings – routinely uses dictionaries and other references to determine the meaning of unknown words
Connections with National Literacy Learning Progression
The progressions describe a typical developmental sequence of literacy and numeracy learning. The literacy progression sub-elements, levels and indicators relevant to antonyms and synonyms are provided here to assist teachers to identify students’ capabilities and needs to support targeted teaching.
Element: Reading and viewing
Sub-elements: Understanding texts (UnT)
UnT7 — Vocabulary
interprets creative use of figurative language (e.g. metaphor, simile, onomatopoeia)
interprets unfamiliar words using grammatical knowledge, morphological knowledge and etymological knowledge
recognises how synonyms are used to enhance a text (e.g. transport, carry, transfer)
draws on knowledge of word origin to work out meaning of discipline-specific terms (e.g. universe)
UnT8 — Vocabulary
uses knowledge of prefixes and suffixes to read and interpret unfamiliar words
identifies how technical and discipline-specific words develop meaning in texts
analyses the effect of antonyms, synonyms and idiomatic language
understands precise meaning of words with similar connotations (e.g. generous, kind-hearted, charitable)
UnT9 — Vocabulary
identifies language used to create tone or atmosphere