I – V NEW CONCEPT. These homographs are words spelled identically but whose pronunciation depends on whether they are functioning in a sentence as a noun or a verb. A nounnames a person, place, or thing. A verb indicates action or a state of being. With many of these words, the vowel in the unaccented syllable is pronounced |ə|.

► If the word is used as a noun, the accent will usually be on the first syllable.

► If the word is used as a verb or in a prepositional phrase, the accent is usually on the second syllable.

Which part of speech (noun or verb) a word functions as will dictate its pronunciation. If a student has developed the habit of comprehension, it will be easy for him to read these words in the context of a sentence.

Examples of Homographs

When your student has finished reading and spelling all of the words in this lesson, you might have him read the following sentences:

I

1. The heat of the desert made us want to desert the caravan.

2. The convert returned home to convert his friends.

II

3. Sir Edwin feared the angry rebel would rebel against the king.
4. The loser of the contest will contest the outcome.

III

5. The difficult subject will subject the class to long hours of study.
6. The produce that we sell at the market will produce income for our family.
7. Kate’s professional conduct enabled her to efficiently conduct the important meeting.

IV

8. The English sheep dog entered the room with the muddy object even though he knew that his master would object.
9. The convict testified to help convict his former co-worker in the embezzlement case.

V

10. The contrast of the bright yellow vase will contrast nicely with the gray walls of the room.
11. Drew’s graduation present from his grandmother will be a sports car, which will present a dilemma for his parents.