Same Spelling, Different Meaning: Homographs

About This Resource

A complete Grade 4 ESL vocabulary pack on homographs, words with the same spelling but different meanings, such as bat, bark, bank, ring and wave, plus a few that sound different (wind, tear, bow). Students use context clues to choose the right meaning, match pictures, compare homographs and homophones and write sentences that show both meanings. Includes slides, a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, flashcards, a rubric and answer keys.

Overview

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. Most sound the same: a bat can be an animal or something you hit a ball with, and bark can be the sound a dog makes or the outside of a tree. A few homographs also sound different: the wind blows, but you wind a clock; a tear falls from your eye, but you tear paper. Students learn to use the other words in a sentence, the context, to choose the right meaning. They compare homographs with homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently) and write their own two-meaning sentences.

Resource Details

Subject: ESL
Topic: Homographs
Category: Vocabulary
File Type: PDF
File Size: 310.3 KB
Published: 12 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 4 ESL (ages 9–10), A2 45 minutes Vocabulary reading context clues pronunciation writing

Learning Objectives

Explain what homographs are and how they differ from homophones.
Use context clues to choose the meaning of a homograph.
Write sentences that show two meanings of a homograph.

How to Use This Resource

Show the slides: a picture of a bat (animal) and a baseball bat. Ask: "What word names both?"
Do worksheet activities 1 and 2 together, underlining the context clues.
Students complete activities 3 to 6, then use the quiz and send the homework page home.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Two pictures: students draw both meanings of a homograph on a folded card.
Riddle time: students write riddles (I can fly at night, or you can hit a ball with me. What am I?).
Context detective: students find the clue words that show which meaning is used.

Differentiation

Support: focus on five same-sound homographs with picture cards. Challenge: students find homographs in a dictionary and present both meanings to the class.

Assessment

Use the worksheet and quiz to check meanings and context clues. Use the rubric to assess the two-meaning sentences and homework.

Teacher Tips

Many homographs are also different parts of speech: the wind (noun) and to wind (verb). Point this out when it helps students choose the meaning. Practice pronunciation carefully for homographs that sound different, such as tear and bow.

What's Included

10-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (8 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Quiz / assessment (3 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards: 8 A5 picture cards (separate PDF)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)