Expanding Vocabulary: Synonyms & Antonyms
English
GCSE
10 questions
~20 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A comprehensive worksheet focused on expanding students' vocabulary through the understanding and application of synonyms and antonyms, tailored for GCSE students.
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Expanding Vocabulary: Synonyms & Antonyms
Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE
A
Understanding Synonyms and Antonyms
In literature and everyday communication, the choice of words greatly influences tone and clarity. Synonyms are words with similar meanings, such as 'happy' and 'joyful', while antonyms are words with opposite meanings, like 'hot' and 'cold'. Recognising these relationships enhances both comprehension and expressive ability. Writers often employ precise vocabulary to convey subtle differences in meaning or to create specific effects. For example, selecting 'serene' instead of 'calm' can evoke a different emotional response. Understanding these nuances is essential for mastering the language.
1.
Define the term 'synonym' as used in the passage.
[2 marks]2.
What is an antonym according to the passage?
[2 marks]3.
Give an example of a synonym pair mentioned in the passage.
[2 marks]4.
Explain how selecting different words, such as 'serene' instead of 'calm', can affect the tone of a piece of writing.
[4 marks]B
Vocabulary Expansion Exercise
Match each word below with its most suitable synonym or antonym from the options provided.
1.
Select the closest synonym for 'benevolent'.
[1 mark]Aa) Malevolent
Bb) Kindhearted
Cc) Cruel
Dd) Indifferent
2.
Choose the appropriate antonym for 'optimistic'.
[1 mark]Aa) Hopeful
Bb) Pessimistic
Cc) Confident
Dd) Jubilant
C
Contextual Vocabulary Choice
Read the following sentence and select the most suitable word from the options to replace the underlined word, considering the context.
1.
Choose the best synonym to replace '_calm_' in the sentence.
[1 mark]Aa) Anxious
Bb) Tranquil
Cc) Restless
Dd) Agitated
D
Analysing Word Choice in Literature
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions to analyse how word choice affects meaning and tone.
1.
Identify the words in the excerpt that are synonyms for 'dark' and 'evil'.
[2 marks]2.
Explain how the choice of words creates a foreboding atmosphere.
[4 marks]E
Creative Writing Prompt
Using the provided theme, write a short descriptive paragraph that employs synonyms and antonyms to enhance the vividness of your writing.
1.
Write a 20-line descriptive paragraph about your theme, incorporating at least three synonyms and three antonyms to enrich your description.
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet