Transcript Chapter 3

Chapter 3:
Essential Vocabulary Skills
Academic Reading,
Fifth Edition
by Kathleen T. McWhorter
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
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
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
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)
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Techniques for Vocabulary
Development
 Buy a Dictionary
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pocket
collegiate
 Use a Thesaurus
 Use Subject Area Dictionaries
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Techniques for Vocabulary
Development
 Use the Index Card System:
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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.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
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.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Using Context Clues
 Example Context Clues
The use of nonverbal communication, such
as a smile, usually reduces the risk of
misinterpretation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
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?
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
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!
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Analyzing Word Parts
 Prefixes
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postglacial
microscope
semifinalist
See Table 3-1 for a list
of Common Prefixes.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Analyzing Word Parts
 Roots
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factory
geophysics
transport
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Analyzing Word Parts
 Suffixes
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homeward
editor
aerobic
See Table 3-3 for a list of
Common Suffixes.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Learning Specialized
Vocabulary
 In Class Lectures
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words written on the chalkboard
instructor repeats important words
instructor offers several variations of the word
 In Textbooks
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boldface, italics, or colored print in the text
new terms written in the margin of the pages
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Learning Specialized
Vocabulary
 Learn Core Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes for
Each Course
 Develop a Course Master File
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new terms
essential prefixes, roots, and suffixes
signs, abbreviations, and symbols with their
meanings
See Figure 3-4 for a Sample
Course Master File.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
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?
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Read the article on interpersonal
communication and complete the
exercises following the selection.
“What Words Can and Cannot Do”
by Richard L. Weaver, III
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers