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WorksheetYear 9Level 2 · Standard

Free Year 9 Shades of Meaning: Choosing Precise Synonyms Worksheet

Students learn that synonyms are rarely exact matches: words such as walk, stroll, march and trudge share a basic meaning but differ in intensity, manner and formality. They rank words from weakest to strongest, choose the most precise word for a context, replace vague words such as said, went and good with vivid alternatives, and revise a paragraph so that every word carries exactly the right meaning.

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Year
Year 9
Subject
English
Topic
Vocabulary
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
25 minutes
Curriculum
New Zealand Curriculum
Questions
17
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practise

  • ranking synonyms by intensity
  • distinguishing synonyms by manner and formality
  • choosing the most precise word for a context
  • replacing vague words with vivid alternatives
  • revising writing for precise word choice

Curriculum: New Zealand Curriculum. We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Shades of Meaning: Choosing Precise Synonyms

  1. 1Idioms, Clichés and Euphemisms
  2. 2Persuasive Techniques in Speeches
  3. 3The Day Before — Narrative Writing
  4. 4Building Tension and Suspense in Narrative Writing

How to use this worksheet

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this worksheet for?

Year 9 students (typically ages 13–14) working on vocabulary. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 25 minutes for 17 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Try Idioms, Clichés and Euphemisms.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheetsYear 9 · English · Vocabulary

Shades of Meaning: Choosing Precise Synonyms

Name

Date

Score /

The right word is not just correct; it is precise. Ask: how much, how, and in what tone?

Part A: Turn up the volume

Synonyms often differ in intensity. Write each set in order from weakest to strongest.

1.Rank from weakest to strongest: furious, annoyed, angry, irritated (answer space)
2.Rank from weakest to strongest: warm, scorching, hot, mild (answer space)
3.Rank from weakest to strongest: content, ecstatic, happy, delighted (answer space)
4.Rank from weakest to strongest: tiny, small, microscopic, little (answer space)

Part B: Choose the precise word

Synonyms can also differ in manner (how something is done) and formality. Circle the best word.

5.After the ten-hour hike, the exhausted walkers (answer space) back to camp.
  1. Astrolled
  2. Btrudged
  3. Cskipped
  4. Dmarched
6.On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the couple (answer space) along the river, enjoying the view.
  1. Astrolled
  2. Btrudged
  3. Cstormed
  4. Dstaggered
7.Offended by the comment, she (answer space) out of the room and slammed the door.
  1. Awandered
  2. Btiptoed
  3. Cstormed
  4. Dambled
8."Please don't wake the baby," Dad (answer space).
  1. Abellowed
  2. Bwhispered
  3. Cannounced
  4. Dshrieked
9.The children (answer space) with laughter when the clown fell over.
  1. Achuckled
  2. Bsmirked
  3. Chowled
  4. Dsniggered
10.Which word is the most formal synonym for buy?
  1. Agrab
  2. Bpick up
  3. Cpurchase
  4. Dget

Part C: Banish vague words

Replace the vague word with a more precise one that suits the context.

11."I'm so sorry," she (answer space), tears running down her cheeks. (replace said)
12.The racing car (answer space) past the crowd. (replace went)
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Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

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About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

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