Question

Read the passage below and use your word structure strategy to help you determine the meaning of the underlined words in the passage. Write the meanings of each underlined word and explain how you determined each meaning.

An old man with steel rimmed spectacles and very dusty clothes sat by the side of the road. There was a pontoon bridge across the river and carts, trucks, and men, women and children were crossing it. The mule-drawn carts staggered up the steep bank from the bridge with soldiers helping push against the spokes of the wheels. The trucks ground up and away heading out of it and peasants plodded along in the ankle deep dust. But the old man sat there without moving. He was too tired to go any further.

spectacles, pontoon, peasants are the underlined words.

Answer 1

1) Spectacles: It means a type of eyeglasses which are created to improve people´s eyesight. It is a plural noun as it is modified by “steel” and “rimmed”.

2) Pontoon: it is a temporary, simple boat structure that is used as a bridge. It is a singular noun.

3) Peasants: They are simple and people of low social status who live in the countryside. They usually work on the land, and raise cattle. It is a plural noun.

Answer 2

• Spectacles: A pair of framed lenses used to correct eyesight.

The meaning is determined by physical description of the old man.

• Pontoon: a boat that supports a temporary bridge.

The depiction of the a special bridge across the river helps establish the correct meaning.

• Peasants: Poor farmers.

The portrayal of people working and walking with heavy steps leads to the proper definition.