Vocabulary Lists

A strong vocabulary gives your writing power, passion and integrity.  It allows you to "get the in-jokes", to pick up on the hidden meaning.  This year we will work on vocabulary.  After each unit, there will be a vocabulary test and it will not only test the new words, but review the words from past lessons.

In addition to vocabulary pulled from your reading, I will use 2 primary sources, and you may choose to purchase these two books to use at home.  I have classroom sets of both, but they can not be checked out.  At the beginning of each semester, I will send a book list home, and you have the option to purchase the books you need.  The vocabulary (Word Within The Word) and grammar books (The Magic Lens), will be an optional purchase if you would like to have a personal copy.

1)  100 Words Every Freshman Should Know-American Herritage Dictionary

2)  9th Grade:  Word Within A Word by Michael Clay Thompson, Volume 2. 

3)  VIP:  Students find words within their reading and/or their daily lives that they can not readily define.  I give a description of what kind of words to find.  For example, find 5 words with Latin root stems.  Write the words on the VIP master sheet, and write the word and the definition on the VIP Intake Form.  On the dotted line, use the word iand underline it in a sentence.  Begin pushing your writing to new heights by using this vocabulary. 

Classic Words

In addition, Michael Clay Thompson surveyed hundreds of classics and assembled the 100 most frequently found words.  I recommend you look at those words as well. 

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