Vocabulary Study
Pre-reading Activity for Monster, by Walter Dean Myers
ELACCS8.RI.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word
choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
Introduction: Understanding the meaning of vocabulary words increases your ability to comprehend
information as it is presented. This activity requires you to create a glossary for the novel Monster. You will
be required to look up the meaning of vocabulary words, define them, use each word in a sentence, and write
an antonym and synonym for each word. Knowledge gained from this project will help to increase your
understanding of the book, which we are about to read, Monster by Walter Dean Myers.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge - College and Career Readiness Anchor Standard for
Writing #7: Student will conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused
questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Group 4 Task- Your task is to look up and define the following words for the purpose of and creating a
glossary for the novel Monster:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
dispensary (2):
grainy (3):
obscene (7):
mentor (19):
safeguard (21):
impede (23)
articulate (28)
redress (26):
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
careens (42):
grandiose (27):
tentative (42):
drawl (50)
pertinent (55)
silhouetted (57)
affidavit (66)
pans (67)
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
grotesque (68)
grimaces(73)
lethal (73)
perpetrator (74)
proposition (85)
Arcs (130)
Process: You will demonstrate knowledge and understanding by creating a glossary. On a sheet of 8 ½
x 11 inch piece of computer paper, you will write the word and definition, add a picture (drawn, cut out,
computer graphic) that depicts the definition, then write a clever sentence using the word, list a synonym and
an antonym for the word. Your product must be neat and colorful. Your work will be displayed on the wall in
the classroom throughout our reading of the novel.
The following are the requirements needed:
 Vocabulary word
 A visual representation of the vocabulary word.
 A definition of the word.
 Use the word in a sentence
 Synonym for the word
 Antonym for the word
 Your booklet must be attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness.
 Grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling should be correct.
 Be creative!
 Review the grading rubric to see exactly what gets you the highest grade possible.
 Use class time wisely…three days is all the time you have!
Vocabulary Study
Pre-reading Activity for Monster, by Walter Dean Myers
ELACCS8.RI.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word
choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
Introduction:
Understanding the meaning of vocabulary words increases your ability to comprehend information as it is
presented. This activity requires you to create a glossary for the novel Monster. You will be required to look
up the meaning of vocabulary words, define them, use each word in a sentence, and write an antonym and
synonym for each word. Knowledge gained from this project will help to increase your understanding of
the book, which we are about to read, Monster by Walter Dean Myers.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge - College and Career Readiness Anchor
Standard for Writing #7: Student will conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on
focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Group 5 Task - Your task is to look up and define the following words for the purpose of and creating a
glossary for the novel Monster:
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Montage (131)
Perimeter(133)
Traversed (135)
Mosaic (151)
Whist (154)
Diminutive (161)
Sidebar (172)
Concentric (199)
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
Hurdy-gurdy (199)
Subdued (208)
Condescendingly (209)
Surly (215)
Soliciting (231)
Vouch (236)
Taint (243)
Indulgence (244)
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
Elicit (245)
Constitute (246)
Gullible (250)
Acquit (253)
Botched (259)
Bravado (266)
Reformatory (279)
Pro Process: You will demonstrate knowledge and understanding by creating a glossary. On a sheet of 8 ½
x 11 inch piece of computer paper, you will write the word and definition. Add a picture (drawn, cut out,
computer graphic) that depicts the definition. Then write a clever sentence using the word. List a synonym and
an antonym for the word. Your product must be neat and colorful. Your work will be displayed on the wall in
the classroom throughout our reading of the novel.
The following are the requirements needed:
 Vocabulary word
 A visual representation of the vocabulary word.
 A definition of the word.
 Use the word in a sentence
 Synonym for the word
 Antonym for the word
 Your booklet must be attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness.
 Grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling should be correct.
 Be creative!
 Review the grading rubric to see exactly what gets you the highest grade possible.
 Use class time wisely…three days is all the time you have!