📚English 10 Unit 13 – Vocabulary Building and Word Choice

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Vocabulary refers to the body of words known and used by an individual or group
• Morphemes are the smallest meaningful units of language that can be combined to form words
  • Free morphemes can stand alone as words (cat, run)
  • Bound morphemes must be attached to other morphemes to form words (un-, -ing)
• Lexicon is the total stock of words and idiomatic expressions in a language
• Semantics is the study of the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences
• Synonyms are words with similar or identical meanings (happy, joyful)
• Antonyms are words with opposite meanings (hot, cold)
• Homophones are words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings (their, there)

Word Origins and Etymology

• Etymology is the study of the origin, history, and evolution of words
• Many English words have roots in Latin, Greek, and other ancient languages
  • Latin roots include "aqua" meaning water (aquarium) and "terra" meaning earth (terrain)
  • Greek roots include "bio" meaning life (biology) and "geo" meaning earth (geography)
• Loanwords are words adopted from one language into another without translation
  • English has many loanwords from French (ballet), Spanish (siesta), and German (kindergarten)
• Cognates are words in different languages that share a common linguistic origin (night in English, nuit in French)
• Neologisms are newly coined words or expressions that may be in the process of entering common use (selfie, COVID-19)
• Portmanteau words are formed by blending two or more words or word parts (brunch from breakfast and lunch)

Expanding Your Vocabulary

• Reading extensively in various genres can expose you to new words in context
• Keeping a vocabulary journal to record new words, their definitions, and example sentences can aid retention
• Using newly learned words in conversation and writing helps to reinforce understanding and memory
• Studying word roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help you deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words
  • Prefixes modify the meaning of a word (pre-, post-, anti-)
  • Suffixes change the part of speech or grammatical function of a word (-ly, -tion, -ous)
• Flashcards and mnemonic devices can be effective tools for memorizing new vocabulary
• Engaging in word games and puzzles (crosswords, Scrabble) can make vocabulary learning enjoyable

Context Clues and Word Meaning

• Context clues are hints within a sentence or passage that help readers infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word
• Definition clues provide an explicit definition of the word within the text
• Synonym clues use a word with a similar meaning to the unfamiliar word
• Antonym clues use a word with the opposite meaning to the unfamiliar word
• Example clues provide specific examples to illustrate the meaning of the word
• Inference clues require the reader to draw conclusions based on the information provided in the text
• Punctuation clues, such as dashes or parentheses, can signal the meaning of a word
• Analyzing the sentence structure and surrounding words can also provide insight into a word's meaning

Connotation vs. Denotation

• Denotation is the literal, dictionary definition of a word
• Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations attached to a word
• Words with similar denotations can have different connotations (slim vs. skinny)
  • Slim has a more positive connotation, implying health and attractiveness
  • Skinny has a more negative connotation, suggesting being too thin or unhealthy
• Connotations can vary depending on context, culture, and personal experiences
• Writers and speakers use connotations to evoke specific emotions or create a desired tone
• Understanding connotations is crucial for effective communication and avoiding unintended meanings

Figurative Language and Imagery

• Figurative language uses words in a non-literal way to create vivid descriptions and evoke emotions
• Similes compare two unlike things using "like" or "as" (her eyes shone like stars)
• Metaphors make a direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as" (life is a rollercoaster)
• Personification attributes human qualities to non-human objects or abstract ideas (the wind whispered through the trees)
• Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect (I've told you a million times)
• Imagery uses descriptive language to appeal to the senses and create mental pictures
  • Visual imagery describes how something looks (the golden sun)
  • Auditory imagery describes sounds (the crackling of the fire)
  • Olfactory imagery describes smells (the aroma of freshly baked bread)
  • Gustatory imagery describes tastes (the tangy sweetness of the orange)
  • Tactile imagery describes textures and sensations (the soft, velvety petals)

Effective Word Choice in Writing

• Precise word choice conveys meaning clearly and effectively
• Using strong, active verbs can make writing more engaging and dynamic (sprinted vs. ran)
• Specific nouns create a clearer picture in the reader's mind (oak tree vs. tree)
• Sensory details help readers experience the text more vividly
• Avoiding clichés and overused phrases can make writing feel fresh and original
• Using a thesaurus can help find more precise or varied words, but ensure the chosen word fits the context
• Varying word choice and sentence structure can make writing more interesting and engaging
• Considering the tone, audience, and purpose of the writing can guide word choice decisions

Practical Applications and Exercises

• Maintain a personal vocabulary journal to record new words encountered in reading or conversation
• Practice using new words in context by writing example sentences
• Participate in word-of-the-day challenges or subscribe to vocabulary-building apps or websites
• Analyze the word choice in different texts (news articles, novels, poetry) and discuss their effectiveness
• Write short stories or poems focusing on vivid descriptions and figurative language
• Play word games with friends or family (Taboo, Pictionary) to practice using and explaining words
• Create word maps or webs to explore the connections between related words and concepts
• Translate a short text from another language into English, focusing on finding the most appropriate words