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Activities to Teach Students to Use Context As a Clue to the Meanings of Foreign Expressions

Learning a foreign language can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to understanding expressions and idioms. However, by applying context as a clue, students can grasp the meanings behind unfamiliar phrases with ease. Contextual clues are essential in understanding foreign expressions since words take on different meanings depending on the situation in which they are used.

Here are several activities that teachers can use to help students use context as a clue to the meanings of foreign expressions:

1. Reading comprehensions – Reading not only helps students improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills, but it also presents an opportunity to practice recognizing contextual clues. Teachers can give students a reading passage that includes foreign expressions and ask them to underline the words or phrases that provide context clues.

2. Crosswords puzzles – Crossword puzzles are a fun and interactive way for students to enhance their language skills and contextual understanding. Teachers can create crosswords that incorporate phrases from the current lesson and include a definition alongside the foreign expression.

3. News articles – Using news articles that feature foreign expressions is an effective way to keep students engaged while providing context clues for unfamiliar words or phrases. Teachers can have students read articles, identify foreign expressions, and explain the meaning of the expression based on the context.

4. Role-playing – Role-playing allows students to use foreign expressions and apply them in conversations to understand their meanings. Teachers can provide scenarios that require the use of foreign expressions and ask students to use context clues to decipher the meaning.

5. Word association – Teachers can use word association activities to reinforce their student’s understanding of foreign expressions. By giving students a list of words, teachers can ask students to identify which ones they associate with a particular expression, thus, improving their contextual recognition abilities.

By using these activities in the classroom, students will become more competent in understanding foreign expressions through context clues. This approach in learning can help students build their confidence and encourage them to explore new phrases and idioms in the language they are studying, and consequently, improve their overall language skills.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Context to Identify the Meaning of a Word

As students progress through their academic careers, the importance of being able to understand and use context to identify the meaning of words increases greatly. Contextual clues encompass various elements of the text, such as sentence structure, tone, and other related words. Here are some activities you can use to teach students how to use context clues effectively.

1. Word Defining Relay

This activity begins by splitting the class into two or more teams and providing each team with a list of words. The students have to identify the definition of the word on the list. Once they have done this, one student at a time runs to the board to write their definition. If their definition matches the actual definition, they receive a point for their team.

2. Word Map

For this activity, students work together to create a comprehensive word map for a specific word. The map should include a definition of the word, synonyms, antonyms, related words, and examples of how the word is used in different contexts. These maps can then be displayed around the classroom, allowing all students to learn new vocabulary and understand how to use contextual clues.

3. Sentence Fill-In

This activity works by providing a sentence with a missing word. The sentence should be chosen carefully to provide contextual clues about the missing word. The students have to choose the most appropriate word from a list of related words to fill in the blank. Once the students have filled in the blank, they should explain why they chose that particular word.

4. Context Clue Scavenger Hunt

In this activity, students are given an excerpt from a text containing a difficult word that requires contextual clues. The students must find the word’s meaning using the surrounding sentences. The first student to find the definition of the word receives a point.

5. Word Wall

A word wall is a great way to help students track new vocabulary words and practice using contextual clues. As new words are introduced, they can be added to the wall along with their contextual definitions. By actively tracking new words and understanding their meanings, students can train their brains to use contextual clues naturally.

Conclusion

Using contextual clues is a powerful tool that students should learn to use effectively. By actively engaging in activities that enhance vocabulary knowledge and understanding of contextual definitions, students can develop strong language skills and become better readers and writers. Try incorporating these activities into your English language arts routine to help your students develop their language comprehension skills and vocabulary knowledge.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Compensation to Subtract: Up to Three Digits

As an educator, it is always essential to find fun and interactive ways to teach mathematical concepts to students. One such concept is compensation when subtracting up to three digits. Compensation involves adjusting numbers to simplify subtraction.

The following are some activities that can help teach students how to use compensation to subtract effectively:

1. Part, Part, Whole

The objective of this activity is to understand how parts make the whole. To start, create a line graph with three or four horizontal bars. Keep horizontal measurements similar to make it easier for students to comprehend the activity. Assign a number in the bottom bar and ask students to add it to numbers in the other bars to fill the whole. After the activity, the teacher can introduce the concept of compensation to simplify subtraction.

2. Number Line

The number line is an excellent visual aid for addition and subtraction. The teacher can introduce compensation by creating a large number line that goes up to 100. Then, ask students to subtract numbers in pairs, such as 60-20. The compensation takes place by making a jump to a more straightforward calculation. The teacher can demonstrate by jumping ten numbers on the line to make the calculation more manageable (60-20=50+10-20=30).

3. Target Number Game

The target number game involves a random number generation, and it helps to practice subtraction. The teacher generates a random number less than 100 and writes it on the board. Students have to subtract numbers in turn that are either one or two digits. The winner is the student who gets to zero first. There is much scope for compensation in this game, and the teacher can offer hints as required.

4. Counting Sticks

Using counting sticks and color cubes, students can learn to subtract three digits by first identifying strings of three numbers in different colors. Once they have done that, they can be instructed to count the total number of sticks present and compare them to solve the problem.

5. Error Analysis

The error analysis activity requires reviewing incorrect answers. Students get a chance to analyze where they went wrong and learn from their mistakes. The teacher can use problems where a conceptual approach doesn’t work and then ask the students to explain the mismatch when the answer is written out and to use compensation to verify their answers.

In conclusion, teaching students to use compensation while subtracting up to three digits can be a challenge. However, incorporating activities that use visual aids and hands-on approaches make it easier for students to understand the concept. The activities listed above offer an excellent starting point for teaching compensation to students and ensuring their success in mathematics.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Compensation to Subtract – Up to Three Digits

Subtraction is one of the most fundamental mathematical operations that students learn in school. It involves taking away a certain number from another to determine the difference. To make the process of subtracting up to three digits easier, students can use compensation. Compensation is a strategy that many teachers use to help their students to learn subtraction. It involves adding or subtracting a number to or from both sides of the equation to make the process easier for students.

There are many activities that teachers can use to teach compensation to students. Here are a few of them:

1. Using manipulatives

Manipulatives are objects that students can use to visualize and understand mathematical concepts. For subtraction, teachers can use blocks, base-ten blocks, or other objects. For example, if a student needs to subtract 52 from 99, the teacher can give the student 99 blocks or base-ten blocks. The student can then take away 50 blocks and two blocks to get the answer.

2. Number line activities

Number lines are a great way to show students how addition and subtraction work. Teachers can create a number line on the board or provide students with a printed version. Students can then use the number line to visualize the process of compensation. For example, if a student needs to subtract 47 from 98, the teacher can show the student how to add three to 47 to make it 50, and then subtract 50 from 100 instead of 47 from 98.

3. Games

Games are always a fun way to teach math concepts. Teachers can create games that involve compensation for subtraction. For example, teachers can create a board game where students have to use compensation to subtract up to three digits. Alternatively, teachers can create a card game where students have to use the same strategy to subtract.

4. Word problems

Word problems are an excellent way to teach students how to apply math concepts to real-life situations. Teachers can create word problems that involve compensation for subtraction. For example, a teacher can give a word problem such as “Tom has 97 candies. He wants to give 38 candies to his friend. How many candies will he have left?”. The teacher can ask students to use compensation to solve the problem.

5. Online resources

There are many online resources that teachers can use to teach compensation for subtraction. For example, there are interactive games that students can play, videos that teachers can use to explain the concept, and practice problems that students can solve.

In conclusion, compensation is a useful strategy for teaching subtraction up to three digits. It can help students to tackle complex subtraction problems and build their confidence in math. Teachers can use various activities such as using manipulatives, number line activities, games, word problems, and online resources to teach students how to use compensation to subtract. By incorporating these activities in their teaching, teachers can help their students to learn math in a fun and engaging way.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Compensation to Subtract – Up to Two Digits

Subtraction is an essential mathematical skill that students should learn. However, not all students find it easy to master. This is especially true when they need to subtract numbers that involve regrouping or borrowing, as it requires more advanced computational skills.
One effective way to help students with subtraction is by employing the concept of compensation. Compensating a number means adjusting it by adding or subtracting another number to make the calculation more manageable. This concept gives students a more intuitive sense of how numbers and operations work, making subtraction easier to understand.

Here are some activities to teach students how to use compensation to subtract numbers up to two digits:

1. “Hop, Skip and Jump” Game

This game is a fun way for students to visualize subtraction using compensation. Begin by drawing a hopscotch board on the ground and write subtraction problems on each square. The students hop, skip, or jump on the designated square while reciting the problem out loud. For example, if the square says “15 – 7,” the student hops on the square and then jumps forward seven squares to the “8” square. They then recite the answer, which is 8.
Encourage students to use compensation when the problem involves subtracting two-digit numbers. For instance, when subtracting 24 – 16, they can add 4 to 16, making it 20. This way, they will only have to subtract 20 from 24, which is much easier than subtracting 16 from 24.

2. “Find the Treasure” Challenge

This activity involves putting the students into groups and giving them a series of subtraction problems. The students have to solve the problems to unlock clues that lead them to the treasure. For each problem, students should use compensation to simplify the calculation if necessary.

To make the activity more exciting, you can hide the clues around the classroom or school and create a map to help the students navigate. Additionally, you can increase the level of difficulty by incorporating two-digit numbers and increasing the number of problems.

3. “Calculator Challenge” Worksheet

Give the students a worksheet with subtraction problems that involve compensating. Encourage them to use a calculator to check their solutions. Use problems that require the student to subtract two-digit numbers and compensate using the tens place.

For example, give them the problem 67 – 38 and ask them to use compensation to solve the problem. They can add two to 38 to make it 40 and subtract 40 from 67, making the difference easier to obtain. This exercise helps the student practice compensation with real-life problems and gets them more comfortable using the technique.
Final thoughts

Using compensation in subtraction is a skill that students can use in many areas of life. By incorporating these activities into your lessons, you will help your students strengthen their mathematical abilities while also making learning fun and engaging. Be sure to congratulate them on their progress and praise them for employing compensation.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Compensation to Add: Up to Three Digits

As a teacher, it is important to ensure that students have a strong understanding of addition with compensation in order to be successful in higher level math. Compensation is the process of adding or subtracting from one number to make the addition process easier. It is essential for students to learn how to use compensation when adding numbers with up to three digits. Here are some activities that can help students develop their skills in using compensation to add up to three digits:

1. Counting Chips – This is one of the simplest activities that can be used to teach students to use compensation. Provide students with a set of counting chips and ask them to add two or three digit numbers. Students can use the chips to break numbers down into tens and ones and then perform compensation as needed.

2. Interactive Games – Using computer-based interactive games is a great way to engage students while teaching them about compensation. There are many online games and apps that can guide students through the process of adding using compensation. Some popular options are “Addition with Regrouping” and “Addition with Carrying.”

3. Think Aloud – Encourage students to explain their thought process out loud as they complete addition problems. This helps students to understand not only how to use compensation, but also why they are using it. As students identify parts of the problem that require compensation, they can explain the reasoning behind their decisions. This also helps teachers to identify and correct any misconceptions that students may have.

4. Group Work – Facilitating group work is an effective way to help students learn compensation techniques. In small groups, students can tackle problems together and share their thought processes. This allows students to see different approaches to the same problem, and to learn from each other.

5. Real-Life Scenarios – Using real-life scenarios can make the process of learning compensation more meaningful and engaging for students. For instance, you can provide students with a budget sheet or a shopping list and ask them to add up the cost of items. This allows students to see how compensation can be applied in everyday life.

In conclusion, teaching students to use compensation when adding up to three digits is an important skill that can be developed through a variety of activities. By employing different strategies, teachers can help their students to develop a solid understanding of compensation, allowing them to be successful in math and in their everyday lives.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Climate Data to Make Predictions

Climate Science is an essential topic for students to learn about in a world where climate change is a growing concern. By learning how to use climate data, students can make informed predictions about future climate trends. Educators can implement various activities to help students understand how to use climate data to make predictions.

Here are some activities to teach students how to use climate data to make predictions:

1. Temperature Predictions

This activity involves asking students to create a climate graph using past temperature data. They can use this graph to make predictions about future temperature trends. They can compare their predictions to actual temperature measurements when the time comes.

To enhance this activity, students can use real-time climate data to make predictions about what the temperature will be in the next few days. They can monitor the weather and their predictions to see how close they were to reality.

2. Precipitation Predictions

Precipitation is another essential climate data students should learn to use. Teachers can give students past precipitation data to create climate graphs and use them to predict future rainfall trends.
Teachers can also incorporate this data into geography activities to teach students about the effects of precipitation on the environment. Students can analyze charts to understand the impact of precipitation on vegetation and wildlife.

3. Analyze Climate Models

Analyzing climate models is an excellent way for students to learn about scientific evidence and the process of making predictions. Teachers can introduce students to climate models from prominent organizations like NASA and NOAA.

Students can analyze these models to understand the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and temperature change. They can compare data from different models to determine similarities and differences in predictions.

4. Climate Simulations

Using simulations can help students understand real-world scenarios and how to apply climate data. Teachers can give students a scenario where temperature and precipitation data are given, and students must determine the impact on the environment.

This activity can help students understand complex scientific concepts, such as the relationship between temperature and precipitation and how they affect agriculture and wildlife. Students will use their climate data knowledge to determine solutions to these problems.

5. Analyze Climate History

Teaching students about climate history is essential in learning how to use climate data. Teachers can ask students to gather climate data from different timelines, such as ice ages, and analyze the data to make predictions about the future.

Students can present their predictions on a timeline and discuss the reasons why they think the climate is going to change or remain the same. Through this activity, students learn that climate and weather patterns are cyclical and affected by various factors.

Conclusion

Teaching students how to use climate data to make predictions is crucial in understanding climate change and its impact on the planet. By incorporating various activities, educators can help students connect past, current, and future climate data to make informed predictions. These activities promote scientific thinking and data analysis, teaching students skills that can be applied throughout their lives.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Compensation to Add – Up to Three Digits

Compensation is a useful technique for students learning to add multi-digit numbers. It involves adjusting one number to make the problem easier to solve mentally. This technique helps students avoid tedious counting and allows them to add more efficiently. In this article, we will explore some activities to teach students to use compensation to add up to three digits.

1. The Magic Number Game

To play this game, you need a set of digit cards from zero to nine. Shuffle the cards and place them face down. Players take turns drawing a card and placing it in the corresponding digit column on a whiteboard or paper. The goal is to create the largest three-digit number possible. To make it more challenging, players can only use each number once. Once everyone has created their number, students use the compensation strategy to find the sum of all the numbers. For example, if a student’s number is 371, they could add one to the tens column and subtract one from the ones column. This gives them a new number of 381, which is easier to add mentally. Students can then compare their answers and discuss which method worked best.

2. Race to 1000

This game is a fun way to develop fluency in three-digit addition. Students work in pairs or small groups, and each group has a set of digit cards from zero to nine. The goal is to be the first team to reach 1000 by adding three-digit numbers. To make it more challenging, students can only use each number once. When players draw their cards, they can decide to use compensation to make the addition easier. For example, if a student draws 4, 6, and 8, they could add 6 to 400 and 4 to 600, making it easier to add mentally. This game reinforces the importance of estimation and teaches students how to simplify problems.

3. Calculator Challenge

This activity is designed to help students improve their mental math skills by using a calculator. Students work in pairs and take turns creating a three-digit number. Then, they pass the calculator to their partner, who has to compensate and find a new number that is easier to add mentally. For example, if a student creates the number 365, their partner might add 5 to the tens column and subtract 5 from the ones column, giving them a new number of 360. The partner then has to add the two numbers mentally. This game encourages adaptable thinking, and students can adapt it to add more digits or practice subtraction.

In conclusion, compensation is an excellent mental math technique to introduce to students to improve their three-digit addition skills. These activities introduce different ways of using the technique and provide a fun and engaging way to practice it. Activities like these offer students opportunities to practice their mental math skills and build their confidence in mathematics. Using real-world applications with exciting variations creates an engaging experience to enhance learning in multi-digit addition.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Colons and Commas to Introduce Lists, Quotations, and Appositives

As a language teacher, one of the challenges you might face is finding new and innovative ways to teach your students punctuation, particularly colons and commas. These two punctuation marks, when used correctly, can enhance the flow and readability of their writing.

Fortunately, you can make this process easy by incorporating engaging activities that help your students to learn and experiment with colons and commas. Below are some practical activities you can use to teach your students how to use colons and commas, to introduce lists, quotations, and appositives.

1. Sentence Starters

One fun way to introduce students to colons and commas is by asking them to use unique sentence starters that require the use of these punctuation marks. For instance, you could give them a prompt like “My favorite things about summer are:”, and they would have to list various summertime activities separated by a colon.

Similarly, you can give them the starter “Samantha said:”, and ask them to write a direct quotation that uses a comma to introduce the speaker and the quotation.

2. Punctuating Comic Strips

Another fun and engaging activity involves asking students to punctuate comic strips correctly using colons and commas. This task reinforces the importance of using commas and colons in the correct places, as well as the importance of punctuating dialogue correctly.

You could either create your comic strips or give students pre-made strips. Then, ask them to add the appropriate punctuation, such as colons to introduce lists and quotations or commas to separate appositives or dialogue tags.

3. Identifying Colons and Commas

To help students understand how colons and commas function in sentences, you can incorporate exercises where they identify how these punctuation marks are used. Start by giving them sentences that already have colons or commas in them and then ask them to analyze what role they play in a sentence.
For example, you could give them the sentence: “I love to eat my favorite snack: popcorn,” and then ask which punctuation mark separates the main idea and the list. Similarly, you could provide the sentence “My friend, who I’ve known since childhood, loves to play video games” and ask them to identify the comma’s role in separating appositives.

4. Writing Prompts

Incorporating writing prompts can help students apply their knowledge of colons and commas to their writing. Such prompts challenge students to think of creative ways to include different types of lists, quotations, and appositives in their writing.

For example, you can ask students to write a letter using a colon to introduce a list of reasons or to use a comma to introduce a direct quotation in their narrative writing.

In conclusion, teaching students how to use colons and commas can enhance their writing and communication skills. Employing practical exercises that challenge your students to think critically and creatively about these punctuation marks is an effective way to help them master the appropriate use of colons and commas in their writing.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Compensation to Add – Up to Two Digits

As an educator, it’s your responsibility to help your students with basic mathematical concepts to ensure that they succeed in life. One of the most fundamental concepts to master is addition. If your students have mastered single-digit addition, it’s time to introduce them to the concept of compensation to add up to two digits. Here are some activities to help you teach your students the art of compensation.

1. Using Visual Aids

Visual aids play a significant role in making learning more interactive and engaging. Begin by creating simple addition problems on the board using two-digit numbers. For example, 24+13. Encourage students to identify the easiest way to solve the problem. In this case, they could add 4+3 first to make 7, and then add 20+10 to make 30. Once they have the answer, ask them to explain how they added the numbers, encouraging them to use compensation.

2. Building a Toy Store

Create a hands-on experience for your students by having them build a toy store. Instruct students to work in pairs; one person will act as the cashier, and the other as the customer. The customer will pick out toys and take them to the cashier, who will add up the purchases. Give students fake money to use as payment. To introduce compensation, encourage customers to choose toys that are easier to add up. For example, adding 29+8 would be easier than adding 27+10. Explain to the children that this is because they can compensate by adding one from 8 to make 9, and making the 27 into 30, which equals 39.

3. Using the Floor

An easy way to teach compensation is to use the floor as a visual aid. Create a grid using masking tape, with vertical lines separating ones and tens and horizontal lines separating different values (e.g., 0-3, 4-6, 7-9). Give each student a set of number cards, then tell them to add two cards together. For example, if a student draws cards with 5 and 7 on them, they would go to the intersection of the number lines on the floor that match these numbers. Explain to students that they can use compensation to make a ten when adding two digits together.

4. Roll the Dice

Another fun activity for introducing compensation to students is to use dice. Give students two dice and have them roll the dice to determine the numbers they will use to add. Encourage them to use compensation to help them solve the problems. For example, if a student rolls a 5 and a 9, they can add 5+5 to make 10, then add 9+5, which equals 14, and then add the two totals (10+14), which equals 24.

In conclusion, teaching students about compensation to add up to two digits is essential for them to understand the fundamentals of mathematics fully. These activities are just a starting point for helping your students learn how to use compensation. With consistent practice and guidance, your students will eventually master this concept. However, always keep things fun and exciting to ensure that your students remain engaged throughout the learning process.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Collected Data to Find Probabilities and Make Predictions

Data analysis is an important skill that students need to master in order to make informed decisions. One of the key concepts in data analysis is understanding probabilities and making predictions based on collected data. As a teacher, it’s important to provide plenty of opportunities for students to practice these skills through engaging activities.

Here are some activities that you can use to teach students to use collected data to find probabilities and make predictions.

1. Probability Walk

This activity involves taking a walk around the school or community and collecting data on various events that students encounter along the way. For example, they may record how many cars pass by, how many people are wearing a certain color, or how many dogs they see. After collecting the data, students can use it to calculate probabilities and make predictions about future events.

2. Spinner Experiment

Spinners can be used to generate probabilities for various events. For example, students can create a spinner with six different colors and spin it 50 times to see how many times each color appears. They can then use this data to calculate the probability of each color appearing and make predictions about future spins.

3. Card Game

A card game can be a fun and interactive way to teach probability. Students can play a game of War, where they flip over cards and compare values. They can collect data on how many times each player wins and use it to calculate probabilities for future matches.

4. Digital Simulations

Online simulations can be a powerful tool for teaching probability and data analysis. Websites like Probability Games or Math Playground offer interactive games where students can collect data and make predictions based on their findings.

5. Sports Statistics

Sports provide a wealth of data that can be used for teaching probability and data analysis. Students can collect data on their favorite sports teams and use it to calculate probabilities for future games. They can also make predictions about which teams are likely to win or lose based on the data they’ve collected.

In conclusion, teaching students to use collected data to find probabilities and make predictions is a fundamental skill that will serve them well in many aspects of life. By providing engaging activities that allow them to practice these skills, you can help your students become confident and skilled data analysts.

Activities to Teach Students to Use Cardinal Directions

Understanding cardinal directions is a crucial life skill that every student should learn. It helps students to navigate their surroundings better, which is essential for their safety and well-being. Teaching students about cardinal directions can be made enjoyable by integrating fun activities into the lesson plan. In this article, we’ll outline some of the best activities to teach students to use cardinal directions.

1. Classroom Treasure Hunt

Creating a treasure hunt is an exciting way to teach students about cardinal directions. Before starting the activity, explain the four cardinal directions and their corresponding symbols (N, S, E, W). Next, divide the classroom into four sections, with each section representing a cardinal direction. Hide a small prize in each section and provide clues that require students to use cardinal directions to navigate to each prize. Encourage the students to use a compass or map to find where they need to go. This activity is an excellent way to reinforce cardinal directions in a fun and interactive way.

2. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Take your students outside for a fun scavenger hunt. Give each student a map and compass and provide them with a list of items to find. The list should include objects that are located in different cardinal directions. For example, ask the students to find a tree to the North, a flower to the South, a rock to the East, and a bench to the West. This activity helps students understand the relationship between their surroundings and cardinal directions.

3. Mapping Games

Mapping games are an entertaining way to help students memorize the cardinal directions. One popular game is “Simon Says,” where the teacher gives students instructions such as “Simon says, face North,” and the students must respond correctly. Another game is “Red Light, Green Light,” where the teacher says, “Green light, go North,” and the students must move in the correct direction. These games are a great way to emphasize the importance of cardinal directions in a fun way.

4. LEGO Maps

Using LEGOs is an exciting way to teach students about cardinal directions. Divide the students into pairs, and give each pair a piece of paper with a map of an area, such as a city or park. Next, provide them with LEGO blocks and ask them to build structures, such as landmarks or buildings, in the appropriate cardinal direction. For example, if the map shows North, the students should build the structure on the upper part of the paper. The LEGO mapping game helps students to visualize cardinal directions, making it easier to understand.

Conclusion

Cardinal directions are essential life skills that every student should learn. The activities listed above are fun and engaging ways to teach students how to use cardinal directions. From treasure hunts to scavenger hunts and mapping games to LEGO maps, there are many exciting activities that can make learning cardinal directions enjoyable and memorable for students. Incorporate these interactive activities into your lesson plans and help students enhance their navigation skills while having a great time.

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