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      More rich vocabulary associated with clever or sly words

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use the words 'discerning', 'innovative' and 'astute' effectively in multiple contexts.

      Key learning points

      1. 'Discerning' is an adjective which means clear-sighted or selective.
      2. 'Innovative' is an adjective which means creative or original.
      3. 'Astute' is an adjective which means shrewd or quick-witted.

      Keywords

      • Noun - a naming word for people, places or things

      • Adjective - a word that describes a noun

      • Synonym - a word that has the same or similar meaning to another word

      • Word pair - words that often appear together

      Common misconception

      Pupils might think the words can be used interchangeably.

      Use the word pairs to help pupils see and hear the words in nuanced contexts.

      Teacher tip

      Some of the word pairs might be unfamiliar to pupils such as 'consumer', 'critic', 'commentator', 'observation' and 'lawyer'. Ensure children are taught the meanings of these words.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which image represents the word 'cunning'?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q2.
      Which image represents the word 'devious'?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Select the correct definition for 'shrewd'.

      Correct answer: clever or sharp-witted
      bold and daring
      tiny or microscopic

      Q4.
      Select the correct definition for 'cunning'.

      assertive or confident
      perfect or flawless
      Correct answer: sly or crafty

      Q5.
      Select the correct definition for 'devious'.

      clumsy or bludering
      Correct answer: cheating or sly
      empty or unoccupied

      Q6.
      Which of these words is a synonym for 'shrewd'?

      Correct answer: intelligent
      lonely
      nervous
      Q1 image 1 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q1 image 2 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q1 image 3 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 image 1 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 image 2 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 image 3 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What adjective does this image represent?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: discerning
      devious
      diffident

      Q2.
      What adjective does this image represent?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: innovative
      sly
      cunning

      Q3.
      What adjective does this image represent?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: astute
      cunning
      wary

      Q4.
      Match the word pairs that make sense.

      Correct Answer:innovative,product

      product

      Correct Answer:astute,reader

      reader

      Q5.
      Write the missing word to complete the sentence. Thanks to his incredibly __________ mind, Armie was constantly inventing new devices.

      Correct answer: innovative
      wary
      bumbling

      Q6.
      Write the missing word to complete the sentence. Oz was a __________ consumer so she never wasted any money.

      Correct answer: discerning
      evil
      self-conscious
      Q1 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q2 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023 Q3 © Copyright Mrs Wordsmith 2023

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: More rich vocabulary associated with clever or sly words, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...