Question 2 Skills: Synonyms

 

Question 2 evaluates your ability to grasp both the explicit and implicit meanings of words and phrases within the context of a text.

You will be required to:

• Locate a word or phrase in the text that aligns with the meaning of the underlined words in the question.
• Clarify the meaning of particular words within the context they are used.

A solid understanding of synonyms is essential for tackling this task effectively.

 

What are Synonyms?

Synonyms are words or phrases that have the same or a very similar meaning to another word or phrase. For instance, "huge" is a synonym of "large," and "happy" is a synonym of "joyful." Building your understanding of synonyms can help you broaden your vocabulary and use more refined language. This skill can be beneficial in various situations—for example, rather than talking about a "problem," you might refer to a "challenge," or instead of saying "start," you could use the word "commence."

 

How to Use Synonyms in Context

A thesaurus is a useful resource for finding synonyms for specific words, and it may offer many alternatives. However, it is essential to ensure that the synonym you choose conveys the same meaning within the specific context as the original word or phrase.

 

For instance, consider the word “breaking.” Its general meaning is to separate into pieces. But in an exam, you might be asked to explain what the writer means by the word “breaking” in a sentence like:

 

The breaking waves crashed against the shore.

 

In this context, the examiner would expect an explanation that fits the imagery of waves. Suitable synonyms might include “splitting” or “collapsing.”

 

This example highlights the importance of always considering the context in which a word or phrase has been used to ensure your explanation or synonym aligns appropriately.