Chapter 3: Essential Vocabulary Skills

1. Chapter 3: Essential Vocabulary Skills Academic Reading, Fifth Edition by Kathleen T. McWhorter

2. Learning Objectives: • To learn techniques for vocabulary development • To develop skill in using context clues • To use word parts to expand your vocabulary • To handle technical and specialized vocabulary

3. Techniques for Vocabulary Development • Be Selective (useful words only!) • Use What You Already Know • Use New Words You Have Learned • Acquire the Necessary Tools (dictionary and thesaurus)

4. Techniques for Vocabulary Development • Buy a Dictionary • pocket • collegiate • Use a Thesaurus • Use Subject Area Dictionaries

5. Techniques for Vocabulary Development • Use the Index Card System: • Jot down words in the margin of notes or text. • Later, write each word on an index card with definition on the back. • Go over words in your spare moments. • Sort cards by topic, category. • Continue to practice and use the words in your speech. See Figure 3-3 in your book for Sample Index Cards.

6. Using Context Clues • Definition or Synonym Context Clues A chemical reaction is an interaction involving different atoms, in which chemical bonds are formed, or broken, or both.

7. Using Context Clues • Example Context Clues The use of nonverbal communication, such as a smile, usually reduces the risk of misinterpretation.

8. Using Context Clues • Contrast Context Clues Studies of crowd behavior suggest that people in a crowd lose their personalities and act impulsively, rather than making reasoned decisions.

9. Using Context Clues • Inference Context Clues In wind instruments such as the trumpet, sound is emitted directly by the vibrations of air columns in the instrument.

10. Limitations of Context Clues • There will be words for which the context provides no clues. • Context clues give a general sense, not the exact or complete definition. • Context clues suggest the meaning of the word only as it is used in a particular context whereas words have multiple meanings.

11. Determining Meaning from Context • The tone of percussion instruments, such as drums and cymbals, depends in part on the geometry of the surface area. • What does percussion mean?

12. Word Parts • The vocabulary of the average young adult is 30,000 words. • Learning word parts produces a multiplier effect….a single prefix can unlock the meaning of 50 or more words!

13. Analyzing Word Parts • Prefixes • postglacial • microscope • semifinalist See Table 3-1 for a list of Common Prefixes.

14. Analyzing Word Parts • Roots • factory • geophysics • transport

15. Analyzing Word Parts • Suffixes • homeward • editor • aerobic See Table 3-3 for a list of Common Suffixes.

16. Learning Specialized Vocabulary • In Class Lectures • words written on the chalkboard • instructor repeats important words • instructor offers several variations of the word • In Textbooks • boldface, italics, or colored print in the text • new terms written in the margin of the pages

17. Learning Specialized Vocabulary • Learn Core Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes for Each Course • Develop a Course Master File • new terms • essential prefixes, roots, and suffixes • signs, abbreviations, and symbols with their meanings See Figure 3-4 for a Sample Course Master File.

18. Summary Questions • What are some basic tools for vocabulary development? • What are four common types of context clues? • What are some aids to mastering specialized terminology?

19. Read the article on interpersonal communication and complete the exercises following the selection. “What Words Can and Cannot Do” by Richard L. Weaver, III