Vocabulary Module 1  - The Importance of Vocabulary 

Learning Objectives: When you finish Vocab Mod 1 you should be able to answer the following questions:

Why is it important to develop vocabulary? 
What method works best for me in studying vocabulary? 

What are the three categories of vocabulary knowledge? 
How will my vocabulary growth be assessed in Read 110? 
Am I ready for Vocabulary Quiz #1? 

Activate Schema - The Importance of Vocabulary 

Take a few moments to think of five reasons why it is important to have a highly developed vocabulary. Write these reasons in the notes you are preparing to help you on Concept Quick Quizzes. (Hints: Review your reading in DRV pgs. 5-21 if necessary; think of words as tools of thought and communication.)

Vocabulary Building/Strategic Planning

• Methods of Study

• Categories of Vocabulary

As you learned in your textbook assignment on increasing your vocabulary (DRV, pgs. 5-21), there are many different strategies and approaches to learning new vocabulary words. While completing those exercises, you reported on the method you would most likely be using as you study and learn new vocabulary words in this course. I hope that you have already begun to implement that study technique as you work with the words from 1100 Words. If not, begin now by reviewing the words from weeks 1 through 3 and determining which will require the most study time and effort. 

Most likely you are already very familiar with some of those words. The words that are already part of your utilitarian vocabulary are the words you can comfortably use in your speaking and writing. These will require very little of your vocabulary study time.

A second category is your recognition vocabulary. These are the words that you can understand when you read or hear them being used by others. You do not know these words well enough to use them yourself, but you do have a rudimentary familiarity so that your comprehension is not interrupted by encountering them. These are the easiest words to learn. Look over the words in weeks 1 through 3 and list the ones that are currently in your recognition vocabulary. 

The third category of vocabulary is made up of those words completely unknown to you. These will require the most study; perhaps you have already started studying these words using your preferred method of intensive study. If not, take time now to list the words from weeks 1 through 3 that are currently unknown to you.

Remember as you create your study lists, vocabulary journals, columns, or cards, consult a good dictionary for a complete definition. The one-word synonyms found in 1100 Words are fine for matching practice, but may lead you astray when you are actually attempting to use these words correctly in speech or writing. 

Click here to view the Study Guide for 1100 Words weeks 1 through 3. This list will help you to assess your progress prior to attempting the practice quiz.

Assessment - Vocabulary Practice Quiz - Vocab Activity 1

Now that you have prepared and studied your self-selected list of recognition and unknown vocabulary and reviewed using the class study guide list, you are ready to try a practice quiz. This quiz will follow the format of all vocabulary quizzes for Read 110:

• Ten words from the announced weeks (9 words from the study guide list and 1 "mystery word" that will separate the "A" students from the "A+" students)
• The quiz will be similar to the practice quiz in DRV on page 22 - 23. For each word, be prepared to write:
  • A complete definition, not a vague, one-word synonym
  • A sentence using the word. Your sentences should clearly demonstrate that you understand the word's meaning and how to use it correctly in a sentence.
• A bonus opportunity
  • For the first quiz the bonus will test your knowledge of the word parts presented in your DRV assignment pgs. 24-27 and 29-32.

Unlike the Concept Quick Quizzes, you will not be allowed to use notes when you come in to lab to take vocabulary quizzes. In order to really test your preparedness, take the practice quiz without consulting notes, cards, text, or dictionary. 

Click here to begin the Practice Quiz. Follow the instructions for completing the practice quiz, grading it, and submitting your results to me for credit.

You will be notified via email when Vocabulary Quiz #1 will be available in lab for you to complete.

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Proceed to Module 2