Sometimes two words combine to create a compound word. Often, the meaning of a compound word is closely related to its two base words:

birth + day = birthday Birth means when I was born. Day is time. Birthday must mean the day I was born.

Study Compound Words Work with a partner. Find the base words for each of these compound words from “American Names.”

• 1. grandmother (p. 14)

• 2. windblown (p. 15)

• 3. backpack (p. 15)

• 4. something (p. 17)

Discuss the meanings of the two base words in the compound word. Then decide the meaning of the new word. Reread the sentence in the selection. Do you understand it differently now?

Write Sentences Write sentences that use each of these compound words. Trade sentences with your partner.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Arturo moves to Los Angeles, which is Spanish for the angels. What name do you want to research?

• 1 Focus Your Topic With a partner, brainstorm names of places, people, or things to research. Use a Topic Triangle to help you focus your topic:

  • • Write the general topic in the top band.

  • • Think about one aspect of the general topic. Write this in the middle.

  • • Narrow this topic even more in the bottom band.

• 2 Research and Write Use the Internet to research your topic.

• 3 Write a short report. Then switch reports with a partner. Check that your partner’s report has a focused topic.

Topic Triangle