Unit Assessment: Vocabulary Component
Every unit test must include a section for vocabulary using words that have been taught during
the unit.
Question Types
Choose from Matching, Multiple Choice, Sentence Completion and Meaningful Sentences
Matching (maximum 10 words)


All matching should have the definition in the first column and vocabulary options in the
second.
Use capital letters for options
Directions: Choose the word that best fits the definition given in the first column. On the
line write the letter for the word that matches that definition.
Definition
1. ______ a formal complaint, usually written
2. _______ a civilian army

Word
A. militia
B. grievance
When modifying, create a word bank for students to choose from, and allow them to write
the word instead of using letters.
Directions: Choose the word that best fits the definition given in the first column. On the
line write the word that matches that definition.
Definition
1. a formal complaint, usually written
2. a civilian army
Word
__________________
__________________
Word Bank
militia
grievance
Multiple Choice (maximum 5)

All multiple choice questions for vocabulary should have 4 choices (For MSA use the letters
ABCD only. For HSA alternate the following letter combinations: (ABCD) (FGHJ))
Directions: Choose the best answer from the
choices given.
1. Which of these words is the best synonym for
the word grievance as used in the
article/class/text?
A feeling
B injury
C insult
D complaint
2. Which of the following best describes the
meaning of the word vault as used in the sentence
below?
He was buried in the family vault.
F dome or arch
G a place to keep valuables
H to jump over something
J an underground room
Sentence Completion (maximum 5)
 All Sentence Completion questions should have four choices with one or two
blanks to fill in.
Directions: Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the
meaning of the sentence as a whole.
1. Her style of clothing is best described as ------: her leopard-print jackets and gold stilettos,
combined with her boisterous attitude, always make her the center of attention.
A. demure
B. self-effacing
C. confident
D. flamboyant
Meaningful Sentences (3-5, when appropriate to subject matter)
 Students write sentences that include context clues for the vocabulary word that
show that they understand the meaning of the word.
 Allow students to choose from a selection of words to write sentences.
Directions:
From the word bank, choose 3 words and write a meaningful sentence for each. Be sure to
put a box around the word and underline the clues.
Word Bank
flamboyant
militia
grievance
vault
1. I had a ton of complaints about the new worker at the post office, so my friend
told me to file a formal grievance
so that my gripes were down on paper.
**When Teaching Vocabulary **
Remember:
 Have a clear place for students to keep vocabulary words and definitions
(notebook, section of binder) that will be tested

Have students write definitions in their own words

Continually review words through continuous use in class, homework,
short review games, and regular quizzes