English
Vocabulary
Lesson 1: Where does English come
from?
The given words originate from the following languages:
a.
kiosk – Turkish
b.
marmalade – Portuguese
c.
schlep – Yiddish
d.
loiter – Dutch
e.
ketchup – Chinese
f.
tycoon – Japanese
g.
sauna – Finnish
h.
taboo – Polynesian
Lesson 2: South African English
a. Karoo comes from the Khoi word karo, meaning
dry land.
b. Kwaito comes from the Afrikaans for angry or
vicious.
c. Fundi comes from the isiZulu and isiXhosa word
for learner.
Lesson 3: Building words – prefixes and
suffixes
a. An anteroom is a waiting room or small room
leading into a main room. Literally it means
“before the room”.
b. To misappropriate means to take something
dishonestly. So, it is the opposite of an appropriate
use.
c. Posthumously refers to something that is done
after death. Literally it means “after life”.
d. Semi-precious stones are minerals that can be
used as gems, but considered less valuable than
precious stones.
Lesson 4: Synonyms and antonyms
Here are sentences that use the synonyms correctly
in context. Obviously, there are many possible correct
answers, but yours sentences should make the
meaning of the word clear. If you are not sure if you
have used the synonyms correctly, ask your teacher
for help or consult a dictionary.
Synonyms for little
• The premature baby was tiny.
• The puny boy was always bullied.
• The bride’s dress was covered in delicate lace.
• Any undersized fish should be thrown back into
the sea.
Task Answers
Teacher Guide
Synonyms for nice
• We had a very pleasant visit.
• The school holidays were enjoyable.
• Your performance in English has been proficient
this term.
• It is pleasing to see how much your results are
improving.
Synonyms for good
• The soldier’s courage was admirable.
• The Victoria Falls are an incredible sight.
• The artist’s new CD is sensational.
• My grandmother’s silver tea set is valuable.
Synonyms for bad
• If used incorrectly, the internet can be a source of
evil information.
• Smoking cigarettes is harmful to your health.
• Violent films can be a negative influence on small
children.
• The accident was most unfortunate.
Synonyms for said
• “But why do you want to go?” she questioned.
• “Do you have an explanation for this?” the teacher
demanded.
• “Hang on, help is on the way,” he yelled.
• She exclaimed, “What a lovely surprise!”
Synonyms for went
• The children reluctantly trudged up the hill, towards
the school.
• The soldiers marched into battle.
• The model sauntered down the catwalk.
Lesson 5: Words that are often confused
The incorrect words should be replaced as follows:
The council has decided that in order for people to be
eligible to vote, they must live in the town. This is to
ensure that the rights of local residents are considered.
Lesson 6: P
ronouncing words
The correct homophone is underlined in the following
sentences:
a. I eat (serial / cereal) for breakfast.
b. When can we (meet / meat)?
c. There are (two / too) many people here.
Lesson 7: Appropriate vocabulary
I am going to use my bonus to buy a stylish car. My old
model car gives me too many problems.
Lesson 8: J
argon and vogue words
The best back-up plan is to start motivating workers to
get them excited and working together.
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