What does scaffolding mean?
Word: Scaffolding
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Scaffolding means a framework of poles and boards put up around a building so that workers can reach its high parts.
How do you spell scaffolding?
Syllables: scaf - fold - ing
Tricky part: One f is the usual slip, because the vowel before it is short and quick and only one f is heard.
Watch out for: scafolding, scaffoldng, scaffolling
Memory tip: Say 'firm frame' as you write it: a firm frame starts with the two f's this word needs.
Scaffolding in a sentence
Example 1: Scaffolding covered the front of the old library for months.
Example 2: The painters climbed the scaffolding with buckets hooked over their arms.
Example 3: Once the scaffolding came down, we could finally see the new dome.
Fun Fact
For generations, builders in Hong Kong have wrapped even very tall towers in bamboo scaffolding, lashed together by hand.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Three of these words are misspelt. Choose the meaning of the one spelt correctly.
1. foundatoin 2. masonary 3. scaffolding 4. plastar
a) a smooth paste spread over walls
b) stonework or brickwork in a wall
c) the solid base under a building
d) a frame that lets builders work up high
Show answer
d) a frame that lets builders work up high. Foundation, masonry and plaster are how the three building words should look.
Mingle-Mangle
Rearrange the jumbled letters in the sentence to form a word:
Rope and steel iaglnfcfdos wrapped the old theatre while its ceiling was being repaired.
a) scaffolding
b) scattering
c) scheduling
d) unfolding
Show answer
a) scaffolding. Two f's and an a, with no h, t, e or u: that leaves one word.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
scaffoulding
a) l
b) o
c) u
d) f
Show answer
c) u. The vowel sound before the l is spelt as in fold, with no u beside it.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
As the monsoon drew closer, the builders in Kochi worked long hours to fix the skaffolding firmly against the tall walls of the new museum beside the harbour.
a) monsoon
b) skaffolding
c) museum
d) builders
Show answer
b) skaffolding. A hard c, as in scarf, opens this word, not a k.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. You see scaffolding around a tall old clock tower. What does this probably tell you?
a) a new road is coming through
b) the clock has stopped for good
c) repairs or painting are going on
d) the tower is being sold by its owner
Show answer
c) repairs or painting are going on
2. Which job is scaffolding most helpful for?
a) laying a new path around a lawn
b) cleaning windows high on a wall
c) mending a small tear in a curtain
d) fixing a leaking tap in a kitchen
Show answer
b) cleaning windows high on a wall
