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55 Words That Make or Break Student Understanding

Jeremy Mitchell

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In the realm of education, vocabulary plays a pivotal role in shaping student comprehension and learning outcomes. Educators and students alike can harness the power of specific words to effectively communicate ideas, clarify concepts, and foster deeper understanding. This article presents a comprehensive list of 55 impactful words that can make or break student understanding, empowering educators and students to elevate their vocabulary and enhance the learning experience.

Teaching the Critical Vocabulary of the Common Core: 55 Words That Make or Break Student Understanding

by Marilee Sprenger

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2188 KB
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Print length	:	216 pages

Category 1: Key Terms and Concepts

Analyze: Break down into component parts to gain a deeper understanding.
Compare: Examine similarities and differences between two or more things.
Evaluate: Determine the value, effectiveness, or significance of something.
Infer: Draw s based on evidence or premises.
Summarize: Condense information into a concise and coherent overview.

Category 2: Verbs of Cognition

Comprehend: Grasp the meaning of something.
Interpret: Explain or understand the meaning of something.
Think: Engage in mental processing.
Reason: Use logic to form judgments.
Understand: Grasp the meaning or nature of something.

Category 3: Adjectives of Description

Important: Significant or essential.
Relevant: Connected to the topic or subject matter.
Significant: Having a substantial impact or consequence.
Specific: Precise or detailed.
Vivid: Rich in sensory details.

Category 4: Nouns of Explanation

Connotation: Implied meaning.
Definition: Explanation of the meaning of a word or concept.
Evidence: Data or facts supporting a claim.
Explanation: Clarification or elucidation of a topic.
Perspective: Point of view or way of thinking.

Category 5: Words for Comparing and Contrasting

Although: Despite.
But: In contrast.
However: Nevertheless.
On the one hand: One perspective or aspect.
On the other hand: Another perspective or aspect.

Category 6: Transition Words

After: Later in time.
Before: Earlier in time.
Consequently: As a result.
First: Beginning a sequence.
Next: Following a previous point.

Category 7: Words for Emphasizing

Certainly: Without a doubt.
Definitely: Absolutely.
Indeed: Truly or without a doubt.
Obviously: Clear or evident.
Undoubtedly: Without any doubt.

Category 8: Words for Clarifying

For example: Illustrating a point.
For instance: Providing an example.
In other words: Restating in different terms.
Specifically: Providing specific details.
To put it another way: Expressing an idea differently.

Category 9: Words for Concluding

Finally: At the end or as a .
: Summarizing the main points.
In summary: Condensing the key information.
To conclude: Ending a discussion or argument.
To sum up: Recapitulating the main points.

Category 10: Additional Vocabulary-Building Words

Abstract: Not concrete or tangible.
Concrete: Tangible or physical.
Context: The surrounding circumstances that provide meaning.
Denotation: Literal meaning.
Synonym: A word with the same meaning as another.

Incorporating these 55 words into classroom instruction and student vocabulary can significantly enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and overall academic success. Educators can strategically use these words in explanations, discussions, and assessments to ensure that students have a solid foundation for understanding complex concepts and ideas. By fostering a rich vocabulary, educators empower students to become effective communicators and lifelong learners.

Teaching the Critical Vocabulary of the Common Core: 55 Words That Make or Break Student Understanding

by Marilee Sprenger

4.6 out of 5