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→ 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: LEAVES

“This morning, the ground outside was covered in colorful leaves that had fallen from the trees overnight. As I walked, I saw a gardener collecting piles of dry leaves into large bags. Later, my neighbor waved goodbye and leaves for work every day at exactly 8:00. At school, my teacher reminded us that when a train leaves the station, it’s important to be on time or you’ll miss it. That evening, my friend leaves the group chat quickly whenever the topic gets too serious, which always makes the rest of us laugh. Watching how leaves can mean both nature and departure made me notice how many ways one simple word can be used.”

Audio Block
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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
    Leaves = /liːvz/ → rhymes with sleeves

    Intonation Practice

    • “The ground was covered in leaves.”

    • “She raked the dry leaves.”

    • “He leaves for work at eight.”

    • “The train leaves the station.”

    • “My friend leaves the group chat early.”

    Expression Tip
    The word can shift between plural of leaf (trees/plants) and present tense of leave (to go away).

SEVERAL MEANINGS

  1. Plural of leaf from a tree or plant.

  2. To depart or go away.

IDIOMS/EXPRESSION

  • Take it or leave it – accept or reject, no changes.

  • Leave a mark – to make an impact.

  • Turn over a new leaf – start fresh.