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F.2 Recognize different words

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Finding the Different Word

Finding the different word means looking at a group of words and identifying the one that is not the same as the others. This skill helps you pay close attention to each letter and the order they are in. It is a key step in learning to read accurately.

Example:
  • Look at these words: cat, dog, cat.
  • The word "cat" is shown two times.
  • The word "dog" is shown only once.
  • The word dog is the different word.
Remember!

The different word is the one that does not match any of the other words in the group. You need to look carefully at every single letter.


Comparing Words Letter by Letter

To be sure you have found the right word, it is helpful to compare words letter by letter. This means you look at the first letter of each word, then the second, and so on. If all the letters are the same and in the same order, the words are identical.

Comparing two words:
  • Let's compare run and ran.
  • First letter: 'r' and 'r' (They are the same.)
  • Second letter: 'u' and 'a' (They are different!)
  • Because the second letter is different, we know that run and ran are not the same words.
Keep in Mind

Even if words have some of the same letters, they are only identical if every letter matches perfectly, from beginning to end. Don't let similar spellings trick you!


Looking for Subtle Differences

Sometimes, the difference between words can be very small, like just one letter. This is why it's so important to have a sharp eye and look at each word closely. Paying attention to these little details is a big part of becoming a good reader.

Subtle difference example:
  • Look at these words: the, then, the.
  • The word the has the letters 't-h-e'.
  • The word then has the letters 't-h-e-n'.
  • The word then has an extra 'n' at the end, so it is the different word.
Keep This in Mind

Words can be different because of an extra letter, a missing letter, or a single letter change. Always scan each word completely to catch these differences.


Activities to Help You Practice

1. Three-Card Word Match

Write two of the same words and one different word on separate cards. Mix them up and ask a friend to find the word that is not a pair.

2. Spot the Fake

On a piece of paper, write a word many times, but change one of the letters in one of the words. Ask a parent or teacher to challenge you to find the "fake" word.

3. Word Detective

In a book, find a word like "is." Then try to find another word in the same sentence that looks similar, like "in." Talk about what makes them different.

Keep It Fun

Learning to recognize different words is a foundational skill that is best learned through engaging, repeated practice. Turn it into a game to make it fun!