Vocabulary sentences:
World Lit.
Writing with Context & Sophistication
The World Lit. weekly vocabulary assignment consists of approximately five-eight lists of
vocabulary words over the course of the year. Each list will contain 10 provided words.
Students will compose an original sentence for each word on the list. The sentences must
reveal the meaning of the word through context in order to earn passing scores.
REQUIREMENTS:
* each vocab word must be spelled correctly, used correctly (indicated by the part of
speech), have sufficient context clues, and highlighted
* the assignment must by typed in MLA format and is always DUE THE CLASS DAY
BEFORE THE VOCABULARY TEST
1. Printed/paper copy is due in class on the Monday or Tuesday before the test day on Wed.
I will stamp the completed assignment to indicate it’s done on time, but you will keep
this stamped copy to study from until you hand it in on the test day (Wed.).
2. a) If you DO wish to revise your typed sentences before Wed., bring in both the stamped copy
AND the newly revised copy, staple together and turn in on Wed.
b) If you DO NOT make any changes from the stamped copy, then turn in the stamped one.
* Either way, the final typed version of sentences must be submitted on Wednesdays.
* You must maintain the same numbered word order when completing this assignment.
Number each sentence appropriately. Immediately following the sentence number, write the
part of speech (in parentheses) of the vocabulary word as it is used in your sentence. (This
means that you may change the word’s part of speech from the original list when writing
sentences.)
NOTE: To do well on this assignment and on the ensuing tests, you MUST study
beyond the brief definition and single part of speech given on the vocabulary list!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EXAMPLE word…
strategy (noun): a carefully devised plan or action to achieve
a goal, or the art of developing or
carrying out such a plan
A sentence that would receive credit:
1. (n) Although the commander’s strategy to flank his opponents included a major frontal attack
and various distractions, he did not anticipate a traitor spoiling his secret method of assault.
NO credit:
1. (n) The strategy totally failed.
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In addition to the requirements listed above, 5 of your sentences for each list must follow the
“Sentence Development Strategy” included with each list – you have the choice of which 5. Each
week there will be a new sentence strategy aimed at assisting you in developing more
sophisticated and varied syntax. You’ll need to identify each of the five sentences that
incorporate the sentence strategy for that week by highlighting the numbers of those five
sentences.
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Finally…yes, finally!
Each week, students will add a vocabulary word of their own choosing to the bottom of their
typed assignment. This word should come from a book, newspaper, magazine, conversation,
movie, song, etc., and should be an advanced-level word that is completely unknown to the
student.
For the “found” word, include:
a) The word (spelled correctly!), part of speech, and a dictionary definition
b) The original, “found” sentence must be typed exactly as you read/found it, and must be
quoted and cited properly (MLA style).
c) Create a new sentence with your found word that reveals the meaning of the word (through
context), just like the rest of the assignment for the weekly vocabulary words.
* Students will need to know their “found” word just as well as the other words on the weekly list
because their personal word will also appear on the Vocab Test each week.
Example of a ”found” word as it would look in the typed assignment:
11.
a) Specious (adj.)
1. apparently true or right through lacking real merit; not genuine
2. deceptively attractive
b) “Ralph had been deceived before now by the specious appearance of depth in a beach pool,
and he approached this one preparing to be disappointed” (Golding 7).
c) (adj.) Knowing that she had been misled by the specious demeanor of rich, handsome men in
the past, Lucy decided to avoid the gentleman sauntering toward her, to avoid unwanted
heartache.