What Are Synonyms? Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. You can relate words and build your vocabulary by finding synonyms for new words. Use a thesaurus to help you find synonyms. They may help you understand the new word.

Make a Synonym Scale Show the relationship between similar words by making a Synonym Scale. Put a group of synonyms in order on a line from weakest to strongest.

Synonym Scale

With a partner, make Synonym Scales for these words from “Rachel the Clever.” Use a thesaurus if you need help.

• 1. proud, p. 132

• 2. bewildered, p. 132

• 3. boasting, p. 132

• 4. harsh, p. 136

• 5. weep, p. 138

• 6. hoisted, p. 138

ART

• 1 Plan Your Illustration Plan a drawing or collage that illustrates a trait of a character in “Rachel the Clever.” Think about these questions:

  • • How can I show a trait in a picture?

  • • What details from the story can I use?

  • • What are examples of this trait?

• 2 Create Your Illustration To make your illustration, you can draw, paint, or cut out pictures from magazines to make a collage.

• 3 Share Your Illustration Ask classmates to guess what character and trait you illustrated. Explain your choices.