Become a word detective
Use context, word parts and a reliable reference to understand unfamiliar words.
The PDF includes 1 lesson image, practice pages and an answer key at the end. Print only the learner pages when needed.
You can also open the PDF to save or print it from your browser.
LOOK CLOSELY. TAKE ONE IDEA AT A TIME.
Read & notice.
Open each lesson image.
Use the text notes to check your understanding.
01Unlock unfamiliar vocabulary
YOUR LEARNING GOAL
Explain an unfamiliar word using a clue, then verify that the meaning fits.
The ideas to keep
- Read the sentence and the nearby ideas first.
- Look for a definition, example or contrast clue.
- Word parts can help: re- often means again, as in reread.
- Grammar shows how a word works in its sentence.
- Try a meaning, verify it in a glossary or dictionary, then reread the sentence. Choose the meaning that fits the context.
A MODEL TO LEARN FROM
“The chart shows a gradual rise, increasing little by little.” The words “increasing little by little” explain gradual. A suitable meaning is slow and steady. Check a dictionary, then reread to see whether it fits.
TRY. GET A CLUE. TRY AGAIN.
A little check-in.
Choose an answer for immediate feedback.
You can change your mind and try again.
YOUR IDEAS, WITH A LITTLE SUPPORT
Make it your own.
Complete the sentence frames.
Change the wording to make your ideas clear.
Your draft stays in this browser on this device. Download it before changing devices or accounts.
My unfamiliar word is _____. The sentence is “_____”.
Need an example?
My unfamiliar word is gradual. The sentence is “The chart shows a gradual rise, increasing little by little.”
The clue is “_____”. It is a _____ clue.
Need an example?
The clue is “increasing little by little”. It is a definition or restatement clue.
I think _____ means _____.
Need an example?
I think gradual means happening little by little.
I checked _____. The meaning fits because _____.
Need an example?
I checked a dictionary. The meaning fits because the chart increases in small steps.
ONE LAST LOOK
Read it. Refine it. Keep it.
Say your response aloud, then check what you have done.
TAKE YOUR LEARNING WITH YOU
Download full lesson pack (PDF) ↓Offline worksheet & images (ZIP) ↓Save the PDF to read or print offline. The optional ZIP includes a browser worksheet and image files.
KEEP YOUR WORDS GROWING
Bring the practice into a story.
Explore Listen to Lola in our teaching resources. Visit Stan for current products and prices.