Which sentence matches the definition?

key notes :

What Does It Mean to Match?

When we match something, we find things that go together. Think about matching socks! You find two socks that are the same. In reading, matching means finding the sentence that best explains what a definition means.

• A sentence is a group of words that tells a complete thought.
• A definition explains what a word or idea means.

Understanding Definitions

Before you can match a sentence to a definition, you need to understand the definition itself. Ask yourself:

• What is the definition really saying?
• Are there any key words in the definition that are important?

Breaking it down: Nocturnal = active at night The key words are active and night. So, we need to find a sentence that talks about an animal doing something at night.

Example Definition: A nocturnal animal is active at night.

Finding the Matching Sentence

Now that you understand the definition, read the sentences carefully. Look for words or ideas that connect to the key words in the definition.

• Does the sentence use the same words as the definition?
• Does the sentence describe the same idea as the definition, even if it uses different words?

Which sentence matches the definition? A. Fluffy kittens are cute and playful. B. Snakes and lizards are reptiles, and they often bask in the sun to warm up. C. Birds have feathers and can fly.

Let’s Practice: Definition: A reptile is a cold-blooded animal that has scales and usually lays eggs.

The correct answer is B. Here’s why:

• Sentence B mentions snakes and lizards, which are types of reptiles.
• It also implies that reptiles are cold-blooded because they need to bask in the sun to warm up.
• Sentences A and C talk about other animals and don’t match the definition of a reptile.

More Practice!

Instructions: Read each definition and the sentences below. Circle the sentence that best matches the definition.

1. Definition: An amphibian is an animal that lives both in water and on land.
2. A. Dogs bark loudly.
   B. Frogs are amphibians because they start their lives in the water as tadpoles and then live on land as adults.
   C. Fish swim in the ocean.
3. Definition: A mammal is a warm-blooded animal that has fur or hair and feeds its young with milk.
4. A. Humans are mammals, and mothers feed their babies milk.
   B. Snakes slither on the ground.
   C. Parrots can talk.
5. Definition: An omnivore is an animal that eats both plants and animals.
6. A. Cows eat grass.
   B. Lions eat meat.
   C. Bears are omnivores because they eat berries and fish.

Answers:

1. B
2. A
3. C
4. Read Carefully: Take your time and read the definition and each sentence slowly.
5. Look for Key Words: Identify the most important words in the definition.
6. Make Connections: Think about how the sentences relate to the key words.
7. Eliminate Wrong Answers: If a sentence is clearly wrong, cross it out.
8. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at matching sentences to definitions!

Key Points

In this lesson, we learned how to match sentences to definitions. Remember to understand the definition first, look for key words, and find the sentence that best explains the meaning of the definition. Good luck!

let’s practice