Synonyms are words that have almost the same meaning. You can use synonyms to make your writing more interesting.

Drink and gulp have almost the same meaning, but gulp is more specific. specific words help readers to picture the meaning.

Revise sentences You can use a thesaurus to find synonyms. Use alphabetical order to locate the word. Find a synonym for each underlined word. Then rewrite the paragraph below and use the synonyms.

The worker has to make concrete quickly. First, she pours the mix in a wheelbarrow. Then she goes to the hose. She turns the handle of the faucet. Water comes out. She pulls the hose to the wheelbarrow. The dry mix goes everywhere! She laughs.

Share your sentences with a partner. Compare synonyms.

MATH

• 1 survey Classmates Ask five people: “How many glasses of water do you drink each day?” Record the answers.

• 2 Find the Average An average is the middle point for a set of numbers.

  To calculate the average for your survey results:

  • a. Add the five numbers.

  • b. Divide the sum by the number of people you surveyed, which is five.

• 3 share Your Results How many glasses of water, on average, do people drink, based on your survey? Discuss why the findings may be different. Listen to your classmates’ ideas. Then respond.