Synonyms

Upper Primary 8 questions

What synonyms means

You learn to choose a word that means the same, or almost the same, as another word. This helps you understand passages better and use clearer words when you speak and write.

What you will practise

Match a word with another word that has a similar meaning
Choose the best answer from four given options
Use simple context clues to check meaning
Spot words that mean nearly the same in sentences

Before you start

You should already know common everyday words and be able to read short sentences. It also helps if you can tell the meaning of simple words from context.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Which word is a synonym of "happy"?

sad
joyful
angry
tired

Answer: joyful

Working: "Joyful" means feeling great happiness — a synonym of "happy".

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing a word that sounds related but does not mean the same thing
Picking an opposite word instead of a similar word
Ignoring the sentence clue and guessing by memory alone
Thinking every close word is a perfect match in all situations

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 4 to 6 syllabusGroundwork for the BECE

In Upper Primary, this kind of vocabulary work usually appears in English language lessons and reading tasks. It supports school-based assessment and builds the word knowledge you need for the groundwork towards the BECE.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.