The document discusses strategies for understanding difficult words encountered while reading. It identifies three methods writers use: 1) including the definition in the same sentence, 2) providing the definition in the next sentence, and 3) using context clues. It then provides examples of sentences using an made-up word, "ABBA-ZABBA", and asks the reader to identify what item is being referred to in each example based on the context or nearby definition.

1. Fixing Broken Comprehension If you don't understand what you're reading, don't just sit there. DO SOMETHING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM!

2. News Flash! Reading is supposed to make sense!

3. Monitoring: Stopping to see if you understand what you're reading.

4. If you don't understand, you need to solve the problem , because News Flash! Reading is supposed to make sense!

5. If your strategies fail, then you need to look it up in the dictionary or ask somebody for help

6. Writers use three methods to help you understand difficult words.

7. Mr. Spudley noticed an ABBA-ZABBA—a terrible smell—and asked the school cook to stop serving burritos for lunch. Method #1: put the definition in the same sentence. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. a bad smell b. a person who breaks wind c. an open window d. a new kind of burrito e. the school cook

8. The scientist found an ABBA-ZABBA, the front tooth of a meat-eating dinosaur. Method #1: put the definition in the same sentence. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. a balloon b. a new kind of dinosaur c. one of the Iron Chefs d. a kind of tooth e. a dinosaur-hunting scientist

9. Method #1: put the definition in the same sentence. Susie put on ABBA-ZABBA, her favorite CD. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. a medical tool b. the back end of a car c. a CD d. a singer e. a CB

10. Method #1: put the definition in the same sentence. Bob’s doctor decided to use an ABBA-ZABBA, a tool made especially for looking into belly buttons. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. a nurse b. a doctor’s telephone number c. the title of a medical book d. the belly button e. a medical tool

11. Method #2: put the definition in the next sentence. I pulled my ABBA-ZABBA out of its holster. With this weapon, I knew nobody could defeat me. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. a weapon b. a kitten c. a bottle of medicine d. sagging pants e. a broken knee

12. Method #2: put the definition in the next sentence. I whistled, and ABBA-ZABBA came immediately. “Good dog,” I said. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. a leash b. some cats c. a dog d. sagging pants e. a little brother

13. Method #2: put the definition in the next sentence. Mom brought me a huge bowl of ABBA-ZABBA. It was the best ice cream I've ever had. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. cream soda b. créme fraishe c. creme rinse d. clotted cream e. ice cream

14. Method #2: put the definition in the next sentence. Stinky looked into the ABBA-ZABBA. As everyone knows, this is the place where the flea circus performers rest between shows. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. a resting place for circus fleas b. a toilet c. a telescope d. a sewer grate e. the index of a book

15. Method #3: define the word by giving its opposite . Smedley's new gold-plated underwear was very ABBA-ZABBA, but the rest of his outfit was inexpensive. In this sentence, ABBA-ZABBA is: a. amazing b. expensive c. new d. old-fashioned e. school-inappropriate

16. Method #3: define the word by giving its opposite . Look for these key words and phrases that signal a contrast : • although • but • however • in contrast • instead of • on the contrary • on the other hand • while

17. Method #3: define the word by giving its opposite . While Bobbo's breath smelled quite ABBA-ZABBA, Justine's breath was pleasant. In this sentence, ABBA-ZABBA is: a. long b. painful c. on the last page d. infested with hornets e. unpleasant

18. Method #3: define the word by giving its opposite . The things you bought with your birthday money are very ABBA-ZABBA. On the other hand, my choices are thoughful. In this sentence, ABBA-ZABBA is: a. great ideas b. illegal c. cold d. silly e. pus-filled

19. Method #3: define the word by giving its opposite . Instead of being small like the rest of his pimples, this one was ABBA-ZABBA. In this sentence, an ABBA-ZABBA is: a. oozing b. hot to the touch c. crusted over d. huge e. tasty

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