1 · Read around
What situation do nearby words create?
English · Word solving · Years 7–8 · Pair investigation
Word Detective Case Files
One spelling can carry different meanings. Use evidence from each sentence to solve the case, then name the clue that helped. You may write, sketch, translate, or explain your thinking to a partner before recording it.
What to print
Print the two case-file pages as one complete student packet. All referenced practice sentences, strategy prompts, transfer space, and the exit check are provided here; no separate cards are required.
Page 1 · Build the case
Ingoa / Name
Ngā whāinga ako · Learning intentions
Use context, sentence job, word parts, and replacement to solve words with multiple meanings. Support each meaning with a precise clue.
Paearu angitu · Success: two meanings, two underlined clues, and a replacement that still makes sense.
2 · Sentence job
Is the word naming, describing, or acting?
3 · Look inside
Do word parts or familiar chunks help?
4 · Replace
Swap in the meaning and reread the whole sentence.
- The map scale shows one centimetre represents five kilometres.
- A silver scale flashed on the fish’s side.
Meaning 1
Strongest clue
Meaning 2
Strongest clue
Circle: read around · sentence job · word parts · replace
- Hana shared her first draft with a partner.
- A cold draft came through the open window.
Meaning 1
Strongest clue
Meaning 2
Strongest clue
Circle: read around · sentence job · word parts · replace
- Under the microscope, the leaf cell had a clear wall.
- The torch stopped working when one cell went flat.
Meaning 1
Strongest clue
Meaning 2
Strongest clue
Circle: read around · sentence job · word parts · replace
- Mere underlined the strongest point in the report.
- The pencil’s point snapped during the sketch.
Meaning 1
Strongest clue
Meaning 2
Strongest clue
Circle: read around · sentence job · word parts · replace
Page 2 · Test and transfer
Ingoa / Name
- The shop will not charge us for delivery.
- The cloud built up an electric charge.
Meaning 1
Strongest clue
Meaning 2
Strongest clue
Circle: read around · sentence job · word parts · replace
- The two teams played a close match.
- This lid is a match for the blue container.
Meaning 1
Strongest clue
Meaning 2
Strongest clue
Circle: read around · sentence job · word parts · replace
Transfer case · He kupu nō kaupapa kē
Choose a word from another subject that changes meaning in a different setting. Write two sentences that reveal the difference without defining the word.
My word:
Sentence 1:
Sentence 2:
The clue I expect another detective to use:
Exit case · Crack “draw”
“The coach asked the team to draw the play.” · “Use a ruler to draw a straight line.”
Meaning 1 + evidence:
Meaning 2 + evidence:
The strategy I used most:
Whanaungatanga and ako: your thinking can travel in more than one language. If another language helps you see the difference, record that connection. Share only what helps your learning, and help your partner test an idea without ranking them.
Curriculum alignment · English, Phase 3:
“Include words and phrases with multiple meanings that require effective word-solving strategies.”