AP English
Mr. Sabo
Vocabulary Assignment for Literature Units (45 points)
Due: Last week of unit (date will be announced)
Each student is to choose 30 unfamiliar words from any of the assigned readings for each unit. Students should
choose college level, complex, interesting vocabulary but should not use any proper nouns or archaic/old
fashioned words, i.e., words that refer to things no longer used in modern times--if uncertain about a word,
please look it up. The assignment must be typed with words in alphabetical order and should be saved on disk
for the test. In addition, students should create a separate spreadsheet as a cover sheet that also has the words
in alphabetical order organized into 4 columns: number (1, 2, 3, etc.), word, unit, and definition including
part of speech. For the spreadsheet, which we will add to all year, definitions should be ACCURATE but
VERY CONCISE.
For each word, write down:
1.
The word itself (in bold) and where it was found, including title of text from which it was taken and the
page number
2.
The context sentence in which the word appears (with the word in bold). The whole sentence should be
written unless there is a way of using part of the sentence without sacrificing the context that helps indicate
the meaning of the word. Similarly for short or unclear sentences, a second sentence or part of it should be
included.
3.
A clear, complete dictionary definition of the word, revised to be shorter and phrased to match the usage of
the word in the context sentence, and including the part of speech based on the function of the word as
it is used in the context. It is imperative that students indicate the part of speech AND phrase the
definition based on the function of the word in that particular context sentence.
4.
An original sentence that on its own demonstrates the meaning of the word (in bold) clearly and uses it
correctly in the same form in which it appeared (without prefixes or suffixes added or removed).
EXAMPLE
1.
Predilection – The Crucible, “overture” to Act 1, page 5
a.
“This predilection for minding other people’s business was time honored among the people of Salem, and
it undoubtedly created many of the suspicions which were to feed the coming madness.”
b.
Noun: a particular liking or preference for something
c.
The old man’s predilection for spicy food showed itself in the fact that his favorite restaurants across the
country were all Mexican, Thai, and Indian, and that the Tobasco sauce in the refrigerator was usually less
than half full.
Evaluation: Students will receive full credit for each word that is completely and correctly done. While all 30 are
scored for completeness, at random, ten of the words will be graded for correctness at 3 points a piece; if any step
contains an error, one and a half points will be deducted. See the reverse side for errors that can result in point
reduction. If students select overly simplistic or lower level words, archaic/old fashioned words, or proper
nouns, they will be asked to do replacement words within one day of receiving the homework back.
Note: This assignment must be done individually; if identical or close to identical lists are turned in by two or
more students, the students will be asked to redo the assignment for reduced credit. If any original sentence is
found to be copied from the Internet or another source, no credit will be awarded for any original sentences.
Comments Key: Vocabulary
If comment is circled, one and a half points are deducted; if not, points were not
deducted. No more than one and a half points can be taken off per step of homework.
Same mistakes on test will have same result. Points can only be recovered on homework
for replacement words turned in the following day (up to 3 points per word if all steps
correct). Additionally, 5 points are deducted on homework if words are not numbered. IF
SPREADSHEET IS NOT INCLUDED OR NOT ALPHABETIZED, HOMEWORK
WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
Definition Comments:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Def or Wrong Def – incorrect definition for context
Circled POS (part of speech) – Incorrect POS based on context
POS – Forgot to include POS
Same Word/Same Root – The word or part of it is used to define the word
Crossed Out Parts of Def. – This part of definition is weak/incorrect and shouldn’t
be used.
Adj Def, Noun Def, etc. – Definition is phrased as though word were different part
of speech than it is in the context
This is ________ - Definition is of some other word (likely the root or other POS)
Sentence Comments:
1.
2.
3.
Def – incorrect definition implied in sentence
Use – Word is being used in sentence as incorrect part of speech
Awk Use – Word is being used awkwardly in sentence (non-standard usage)
4.
5.
6.
Δ ‘d Word – Word was changed for sentence by adding or subtracting suffix/prefix
7.
8.
8.
9.
Can’t Tell – The meaning of the word can’t be determined from the sentence
Unclear Def – Sentence suggests more than one meaning or is otherwise unclear on
meaning
Sense – Sentence does not make logical sense based on the meaning of the words
used.
One Sentence – Meaning needs to be demonstrated in one sentence, not two or
more.
J - Sentence was funny/charming enough to bring a smile
ha – Sentence was funny enough to chuckle/laugh out loud