7 Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

Students will:

1. use word parts (roots, prefixes, and suffixes) to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
2. use context clues to confirm the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
3. use a graphic organizer to achieve a deeper understanding of specific vocabulary words.

Using the context of the paragraph to define unknown words can also helpful. Although it takes practice, it is the easiest and most efficient way to identify words. Often, using the context is the only way to figure out the meaning of the word as it is used in the sentence, passage, or chapter. Consider the word “bar”.

1. Develop a reading habit. Vocabulary building is easiest when you encounter words in context.
2. Use the dictionary and thesaurus.
3. Play word games.
4. Use flashcards.
5. Subscribe to “word of the day” feeds.
6. Use mnemonics.
7. Practice using new words in conversation.

For Example’ Synonym Phrases

• “For instance …”
• “To give you an idea …”
• “As proof …”
• “Suppose that …”
• “To illustrate …”
• “Imagine …”
• “Pretend that …”
• “To show you what I mean …”

Transition words are words like ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘so’ and ‘because’. They show your reader the relationship between phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs. When you use them, you make it easier for your readers to understand how your thoughts and ideas are connected.

after, afterward, always, as soon as, at last, at once, briefly, eventually, finally, immediately, in the meantime, in the past (or future), last, later, meanwhile, next, never, now, often, once, promptly, sometimes, soon.

Introductions

1. Attract the Reader’s Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader’s attention and introduces the general topic.
2. State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper.
3. State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.

How to Write a Good Introduction

1. Keep your first sentence short.
2. Don’t repeat the title.
3. Keep the introduction brief.
4. Use the word “you” at least once.
5. Dedicate 1-2 sentences to articulating what the article covers.
6. Dedicate 1-2 sentences to explaining why the article is important.