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: BASS
“This morning, I saw a fisherman proudly holding up a large bass he had caught at the lake. Later, when I walked into music class, the teacher introduced us to the deep sound of the bass guitar. At rehearsal, the bass player joined in, and the low notes filled the room with rhythm and energy. Hearing the word ‘bass’ made me realize how one spelling can mean either a type of fish or the lowest sounds in music, depending on how you say it.”
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
Bass (fish) = /bæs/ → rhymes with class
Bass (low sound) = /beɪs/ → rhymes with face
Intonation Practice
“He caught a big bass in the lake.”
“She played the bass guitar.”
“The song has a strong bass line.”
Expression Tip
Be careful: bass looks the same but changes pronunciation completely.
SEVERAL MEANINGS
A type of fish.
The lowest range of sound in music.
A bass guitar or bass voice.
IDIOMS/EXPRESSION
Like shooting fish in a barrel (easy task).
Bass line – steady rhythm in music.
Catch a bass – fishing term.