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: POINT

“My teacher drew a small point on the board and asked us to connect it with another dot to make a line. She explained the main point of the lesson was understanding geometry. Later, when my pencil broke, I sharpened it to a fine point so I could keep writing. During recess, I raised my finger to point at the scoreboard, showing my friend that our team had won. That afternoon, we had a class debate, and one student made such a strong point that everyone clapped. Finally, as we walked home, my friend said he was at the point of exhaustion after such a long day.”

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
    Point = /pɔɪnt/ → sounds like joint

  • Intonation Practice
    “She put a point on the paper.”
    “The pencil has a sharp point.”
    “He will point at the map.”
    “She made an excellent point.”
    “He was at the breaking point.”

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

SEVERAL MEANINGS

  1. A dot or mark.

  2. The sharp end of something.

  3. To indicate with a finger or gesture.

  4. The main idea or argument.

  5. A specific time or stage.

IDIOMS/EXPRESSION

  • Make a point – clearly express an idea.

  • At some point – at an unspecified time.

  • Beside the point – not related to the topic.

  • On point – exactly right, perfect.