Skip to main content
Humanities LibreTexts

3.4: Assignment - Improving Vocabulary

  • Page ID
    19517
  • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    Vocabulary is an important part of reading comprehension. The more we read, the more vocabulary words we will recognize. In fact, the best way to develop a rich vocabulary is to read widely and frequently.

    Proficient readers also use strategies for dealing with unfamiliar words. They continue to build their vocabularies through effective use of:

    • the dictionary
    • context clues, and
    • common prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

    For this activity, you will choose a text for another class and apply vocabulary strategies (chosen from your Internet research) to 10 words from your reading selection.

    Directions

    1. Review the grading rubric as listed on this page.
    2. Using Internet resources, research strategies for improving vocabulary related to dictionary, context clues, and common prefixes/suffixes/roots.
    3. Choose a substantial (5 pages or more) reading from another class.
    4. Cite the reading source using either MLA or APA formatting (use WriteCite to assist you if needed).
    5. Select 10 vocabulary words from the reading.
    6. Apply the vocabulary strategies to the 10 words.
    7. Create a matrix schedule (similar to the one below) in a Google Spreadsheet.
    8. Set the Google Spreadsheet share permissions to “Anyone with the link.”
    9. Submit the URL of your Google Spreadsheet to your instructor.

    Image of Matrix showing columns for vocabulary word, sentence from reading, definition, context clues, pre/suffix/root, and citation of text

    Example Matrix Schedule for Improving Vocabulary in Google Spreadsheet

    Grading

    Points: 45

    Submitting: a website URL

    Improving Vocabulary KEEP
    Criteria Ratings Points
    Sentence from Reading with Vocab Word 10 words
    10 pts
    9 words
    9 pts
    8 words
    8 pts
    7 words
    7 pts
    6 words
    6 pts
    5 words
    5 pts
    4 or < words
    0 pts
    10 pts
    Dictionary Strategy 10 words
    10 pts
    9 words
    9 pts
    8 words
    8 pts
    7 words
    7 pts
    6 words
    6 pts
    5 words
    5 pts
    4 or < words
    0 pts
    10 pts
    Context Clues Strategy 10 words
    10 pts
    9 words
    9 pts
    8 words
    8 pts
    7 words
    7 pts
    6 words
    6 pts
    5 words
    5 pts
    4 or < words
    0 pts
    10 pts
    Prefix/Suffix/Root Strategy 10 words
    10 pts
    9 words
    9 pts
    8 words
    8 pts
    7 words
    7 pts
    6 words
    6 pts
    5 words
    5 pts
    4 or < words
    0 pts
    10 pts
    APA or MLA Citation of Reading Selection Correct citation
    5 pts
    Incorrect or no citation
    0 pts
    5 pts
    Apply effective reading strategies used by proficient readers before, during, and after reading text. Exceeds expectations
    0 pts
    Meets expectations
    0 pts
    Does not meet expectations
    0 pts
    0 pts
    TOTAL POINTS 45 pts

    3.4: Assignment - Improving Vocabulary is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

    • Was this article helpful?