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.

HOMONYM: BAT

“On my way home last night, I saw a bat flying low over the trees. It swooped suddenly, then darted back into the night sky. The next morning, I carried my baseball bat to practice. My coach shouted for focus as I stepped up to the plate. I swung the bat hard, sending the ball rolling past the fence. My teammates cheered, saying I really knew how to bat now. Later that day, we had a quiz in class. The teacher asked a tricky question, but I answered right off the bat, without even pausing to think. My friend whispered that I always seem to know things immediately.”

How many meanings did you find?

List of the different ways that this word can be used.

SPEAK w/ P I E

(Pronunciation Intonation Expression)

  • Pronunciation
    Bat = /bæt/ → sounds like cat

  • Intonation Practice
    “A bat flew overhead.”
    “He swung the bat hard.”
    “She will bat the ball.”
    “I knew the answer right off the bat.”

  • Expression Tip
    Remember: The word will be stressed differently depending on how it is being used.

SEVERAL MEANINGS

  1. A flying animal.

  2. A stick used in sports.

  3. To hit something.

IDIOMS/EXPRESSION

  • Off the bat – immediately, right away.

  • At bat – ready to take a turn or chance.

  • Go to bat for someone – support or defend someone.