Guessing Meanings From Context
Learners who can guess the meanings of words from context are able to read and decipher words independently, outside of class and are prepared for the vocabulary included in standardized tests such as the TOEFL.
Linguist Paul Nation suggests teaching students the following procedure for guessing the meaning of words in context.
1. Look at the unknown word and identify its part of speech. For example, is it a noun, verb, or adjective?
2. Next, look at the sentence containing the unknown word. If the word is a noun, what adjectives describe it? If it is a verb, then what nouns go with it?
3. Study the relationship between the sentence containing the unknown word and the other sentences. Are there cues like conjunctions (because, but, if)? Are there any adverbs (however)? The possible types of relationships are cause and effect, contrasts, and summary .
4. Try to guess the meaning of the word.
5. Use an English-English dictionary to see if you were correct.
New Ways in Teaching Vocabulary by Paul Nation.
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Vocabulary-Lesson Plans and Activities | ESL Voices - 0 views
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Using Graphic Organizers Another effective strategy for teaching the meanings of words is the use of graphic organizers. There are literally dozens of styles, and each has its unique purpose. One example would be a vocabulary map for analyzing new words and their associations: On the board draw a circle or a square and write the word: Draw a circle next to it and place the part of speech Draw another for a synonym Draw one for antonym Underneath draw a square for a sentence using the word, another square for a picture representing the word, and another square for the definition of the word. Have students work in groups on one of these charts and then share their work with the class. Find more ideas for graphic organizers at Graphic Organizers Enchanted Learning.
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Antonyms, Synonyms and Homophones Whenever students encounter a new word, they should record it into their vocabulary notebooks (see introduction) and add not only the meaning but as many associations as possible, including antonyms, synonyms, and homophones related to the word. Antonyms are words that mean the opposite of each other. Example: The antonym of long is short. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. Example: Some synonyms for long are lengthy and elongated. Homophones are words that sound the same, but are spelled differently. Examples: new, knew Homographs (or homonyms) are words that are spelled the same but are pronounced differently and have different meanings. Examples: wind (noun, air current) and wind (verb, operate by turning a key or handle). Not all words have homophones or homographs. Additional Sources: Online Thesaurus Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms
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Breaking Down Compound Words A compound word is a word made up of two other words. An effective method for understanding the meaning of a compound word is to break the compound word down into its components. Examples: drugstore (a store that sells drugs), lifeboat (a boat that preserves life)
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Affixes: Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes Students can also learn the meanings of words by breaking them down into their roots and affixes. The root is the base word; the affix can be a prefix placed before the root or a suffix placed after the root. Some roots can appear alone, as well as with affixes; others appear only with affixes. Examples: port = to carry prefix ex = out, out of ex + port = export, to carry something out of an area im = in, into im + port = import, to carry something into an area suffix able = to be able transport + able = portable, able to be carried ex + port + able = something that can be carried out of an area Additional Sources: Wikipedia List of PrefixesMichigan Proficiency Exams-List of Prefixes Michigan Proficiency Exams-List of SuffixesList of Suffixes (UK) Wikipedia List of Latin words with English derivatives (Latin roots) Online Etymology Dictionary
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Idioms and Phrasal Verbs Students need to master idioms and phrasal verbs if they are to feel at home in English. Idioms (idiomatic expressions) An idiom is a phrase or an expression with a special meaning that cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its words. For example, to fly off the handle means to lose one’s temper or to get angry. You can find more idioms at http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/ Phrasal verbs A phrasal verb usually consists of a verb and a preposition, that together have a special meaning. For example, put off means to postpone. Sometimes a phrasal verb may consist of three parts. E.g., put up with means to tolerate. Note: Some phrasal verbs can be also be considered idioms (like put up with) when the meaning of the individual words is different from the meaning of the sum of its parts. You can find more phrasal verbs at http://www.learn-english-today.com/phrasal-verbs/phrasal-verb-list.htm Terminology the technical vocabulary of a particular area. Terminology or jargon are words used to identify the technical vocabulary of a particular area or subject. For example, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff, are terms used in the field of medicine. Word Games and Crossword Puzzles In addition to teaching your students strategies for dealing with learning new vocabulary, provide your students with vocabulary games and puzzles so they can practice. There are several great vocabulary games and puzzles in the word games area. ESL Voices Word Games
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When it comes to teaching vocabulary, one challenge is knowing which words and phrases to teach. There are several areas that should always be included in vocabulary instruction. In addition to single words, idioms: (time on my hands, getting cold feet) and phrasal verbs (get in, go out). It's especially important for students to learn idioms, phrasal verbs, because there's no logical way to figure out their meaning from the individual words. Also keep in mind that reading is a channel for new vocabulary growth, so always include vocabulary exercises whenever you assign new reading material. It's also a good idea to have students keep a vocabulary notebook. The notebook could be organized into sections for words from novels, selected readings, or news articles, as well as vocabulary they've encountered at random. However the vocabulary books are organized, make sure everyone has the same plan. In this section there are several good strategies you can use for teaching vocabulary. There are also activities you can try with your students to increase their knowledge of English vocabulary.
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25 Documentaries That Will Make You Cry Uncontrollably - 0 views
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shared by izz aty on 28 Feb 14
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No list of tear-inducing documentaries is complete without "Sex In A Cold Climate." It follows survivors of Ireland's Magdalene Asylums, and the abuse they endured there, working long hours for no pay, forcibly separated from their children, some being beaten and molested by nuns and priests. The idea that such places existed in our lifetime (the last asylum closed in 1996) is mind boggling, and these women still have not seen justice.
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I really suggest "Under Our Skin." It's a documentary that shows the struggle of Chronic Lyme disease patients and how so many people are going untreated. As a Chronic Lyme disease patient myself, I must say that everything being documented in this film is completely accurate. I would't say this unless I was absolutely confident. I know many documentaries tend to be biased, but this one says it like it is. I promise you won't be disappointed.
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"Dream of a life", a movie about Joyce Carol Vincent, a Londoner. Better if you don't know the details until watching. Will stay with you for long after the film ends but is a very moving story and in David Sedaris' words, "was the best argument for the buddy system I had ever seen" (Although he was writing about someone else).
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I was really hoping to see At The Death House Door listed here, which is available on Netflix and for free on Vimeo. It follows a Texas death house chaplain who worked over 15 years ministering to men on death row, including some he believed to be innocent. Never wanting to burden his family with what he saw, he spoke his feelings into a tape recorder after every execution. He began his job as the kind of person many Americans are, that is, pro-death penalty. See for yourself if that changes.
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No list is complete of tear jerking documentaries without "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off" Before he died he narrated his own story. Heartbreaking and wonderful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmahlc6n9_A
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I've seen #6 and #12. "My Flesh and Blood" was really good, but it was more disturbing than sad. I cried my goddamned eyes out of my skull during "Bulgaria's Abandoned Children." I had to watch a follow-up just to get through life. Also, docus don't have to be sad or jarring. There is one called "Praying With Lior" about a Jewish boy with down syndrome that made me cry happy tears.
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Highly reccomend watching Project Nim about an experiment raising a chimp like a human child. Also http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/why-we-think-the-way-we-do-about-animals.php excellent talk about how we perceive different species.
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I recently watched "The Whale" which was simultaneously sad and uplifting. The fact that this whale was seeking the company of humans in very charming ways was such a beautiful example of interspecies connection, it was impossible not to be moved by this. However, what to do about this, given that the whale was approaching dangerous boats and potentially dangerous people, is a real puzzle. Should the whale be indulged the only interaction available to him in his lonely existence, or should we turn our backs on his loneliness to support his physical survival? There is no easy answer, but it does give viewers something to consider in how we regard our animal friends and their needs.
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