SPEAK with understanding
→ Read or Listen to the passage. Locate all of the meanings of the homonym or heteronym. Studying for a test: limit and time your responses to 30-60 seconds.
HETERONYM: PRESENT
“In science class, my teacher asked me to present my project on volcanoes. I walked to the front and explained each step, using pictures to make it clear. While I spoke, she reminded the class to stay focused and present, paying attention to the details. Afterward, she handed out a worksheet with questions about the present state of technology and how it compares to the past. Later that afternoon, my friend shared a present he had received from his uncle: a fascinating book filled with photographs of animals. He let me flip through the pages, and we talked about what we learned.”
How many meanings did you find?
List of the different ways that this word can be used.
SPEAK w/ P I E
Pronunciation
Present (/ˈprɛz.ənt/) → stress first syllable (gift, time, attentive).
Present (/prɪˈzɛnt/) → stress second syllable (to show).
Intonation Practice
“He will present his project today.”
“She stayed fully present in class.”
“They studied the present world.”
“He received a present from a friend.”Expression Tip
Stress the first syllable for gift, time, or being attentive.
Stress the second syllable when showing or introducing.
SEVERAL MEANINGS
Present (/ˈprɛz.ənt/) – a gift.
Present (/ˈprɛz.ənt/) – current time.
Present (/prɪˈzɛnt/) – to show or display.
Present (/ˈprɛz.ənt/) – attentive.
IDIOMS/EXPRESSION
At present – right now.
Present company excluded – not applying to the people here.

