SAT Quack Vocabulary
Vocabulary instruction is an integral part of any English class. The Tennessee curriculum standards for
English I include the following objective:
CLE 3003.1.2: Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation,
etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases.
This standard is included during all four years of high school English. Vocabulary instruction is important
because it can lead to better writing skills and improved standardized test scores. In order to meet these
goals, students will be participating in SAT Quack Vocabulary. This unit focuses on words that regularly
appear on the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests.
How does this work?
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Step One: Watch the DVD for each set of words (20 words per set). As you watch, begin filling
out the Vocab Data sheet. List the vocab words and write each definition.
Step Two: Create a Vocab PowerPoint that further explains the vocab words. Students have been
divided into ten groups. Each group will be responsible for creating one PowerPoint and
presenting it to the class. This PowerPoint will be equivalent to a test grade (200 points). See
below for further instructions about the PowerPoint.
Step Three: As each PowerPoint is presented, the rest of the class will fill out the rest of the
Vocab Data Sheet. List the part of speech, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence for each word.
You will be turning in each Vocab Data Sheet for a grade (on the same day you take the Vocab
Quiz).
Step Four: The group who created and presented the PowerPoint will complete a Group
Cooperation Rubric so that I can evaluate how effectively each group member contributed to the
assignment.
Step Five: Study the Vocab Data Sheet to prepare for the Quiz. Many students find it helpful to
make flash cards or use another study technique.
Step Six: Take a Quiz over the words.
Possible Step Seven (depends on the average grade on each Vocab Quiz): Take a Cumulative
Test over all words. Keep your Vocab Data Sheets in section one of your notebook so you can
study for the Cumulative Test.
PowerPoint Guidelines
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The PowerPoint will be completed outside of class. Since this is a group assignment, it is
essential for all group members to communicate with each other PRIOR to the due date. Each
PowerPoint will contain 22-25 slides. I will show an example in class. Groups need to discuss:
o Who will be responsible for which words? The most effective way to approach the
project is to divide the words among the group members so that each person is
responsible for a certain number of slides. (For example, each person will make 8-10
slides—one slide per word).
o Who will be responsible for making the title slide and the conclusion slide?
o Who will organize all of the individual members’ slides into one PowerPoint?
o Who will spell check and proofread the compiled PowerPoint to make sure it is error
free? More than one group member should spell check and proofread the presentation.
o Who will make the works cited slide and proofread to make sure that it is in correct MLA
format? More than one group member should spell check and proofread the works cited
slide.
o Who will make sure that the PowerPoint is saved as a 2003 version so that it can be
opened at school?
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Each PowerPoint must contain the following:
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Title slide: Include title of PowerPoint, first and last names of all group members, and an
illustration.
20 slides—one per vocab word: Each slide should include:
 Word
 Part of speech
 Definition: Use the same definition that was provided on the SAT
Quack DVD.
 Synonyms
 Antonyms
 Sentence that demonstrates understanding of the word and uses the
word correctly
 Illustration(s): You may use clipart and/or Internet images. (You must
indicate where your images came from on the works cited page).
 All items must be school-appropriate!
Conclusion slide: Include a paragraph that correctly utilizes all twenty vocab words. The
paragraph should demonstrate comprehension of the words.
Works Cited slide: Use correct MLA format to list all sources that were used to create
the PowerPoint. This includes any websites where illustrations were found. Before the
first PowerPoint is due, you will receive further instructions and examples about how to
make a works cited page in MLA format.
 Technical Issues/Presenting Your PowerPoint
o Save your completed PowerPoint to a flash drive and/or e-mail it to me BEFORE
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the due date so I can save it to my school computer prior to your group’s
presentation.
Your PowerPoint must be saved as a 2003 version or it will not open on the school
computers. I will go over how to do this in class. If you are absent for this explanation,
you must see me (or your group members) PRIOR to your presentation date. You are
strongly urged to “try out” your PowerPoint at least one class period BEFORE the
due date. If you wait until the date of the presentation and the PowerPoint will not open,
your group’s grade will automatically be lowered a letter grade (for every day that the
presentation is delayed). Remember that this PowerPoint is equivalent to a test grade!
Do not let your group’s grade suffer because of technical difficulties.
Some group members may be more proficient at using PowerPoint than others. Help
each other. If no one in your group knows how to use PowerPoint, the group should see
me for a tutorial BEFORE your group’s due date. See the General Guidelines below.
All group members must participate in the presentation. I suggest that each group
member present the slides that he/she created.
 General Guidelines for PowerPoint Presentations
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Use text sparingly. Use a list format on each slide instead of long paragraphs. Think
in terms of a key word outline, not a narrative
Use a large font that can be seen from all areas of the classroom. When you are
creating your slides, stand on the opposite side of the room from the computer. Can you
read the text? If not, you need to use a larger size font.
Use the pre-selected color schemes unless you are competent in picking coordinating
and contrasting colors. You want to use font colors and background colors that
complement each other (such as white font on a dark background or black font on a
light background). Keep things simple and consistent.
Remember—if the audience cannot read your slides because of font size or color
choices, the entire PowerPoint is useless. Design with your AUDIENCE in mind.
Use meaningful graphics. The whole point of a visual aid is to provide visual
reinforcement for a concept or idea.
Audio tools (such as music) are encouraged. You will receive bonus points if you
add creative elements such as music and meaningful graphics.
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The overall principle in design is FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION. Use of sound,
graphics, animation, and other design elements should reinforce content and not simply
serve to adorn slides or show off the presenter’s technical prowess.
 How will this be graded?
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200 total points possible
PowerPoint = 100 points:
 Does the PowerPoint contain all required elements?
 Does the PowerPoint use appropriate fonts, colors, graphics, sounds?
 Does the PowerPoint “work”? Are all slides visible and complete? Is
the information school-appropriate?
 Have spelling, grammar, and mechanics errors been avoided? Spell
check and proofread BEFORE your presentation!
 Does the PowerPoint include a works cited page in correct MLA
format?
 Is the PowerPoint on time? (automatic deduction of one letter grade for
each day that the PPT is late).
Presentation = 75 points:
 Is each group member present? Does each group member contribute
equally to the presentation? (You will be graded individually on your
contribution).
 Does each group member thoroughly explain the information on his/her
assigned slides?
 Does each group member use effective presentation strategies such as
appropriate volume, good eye contact with the audience, and a pleasant
tone?
Group Cooperation Rubric = 25 points
 Did each group member contribute equally to the development of the
PowerPoint?
 Did each group member contribute equally to the presentation?
 Group members should be honest in their assessment of each person’s
contributions. In other words, your grade will be negatively affected if
you let other group members do all of the work!
 IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are absent for your group’s PowerPoint
presentation, you will be required to complete an individual alternate
assignment to make up the test grade.
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Groups are more than welcome to come in and use the library computers before or after
school. Do not procrastinate! The earlier you get started, the better your presentation will
be. Good luck!
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Due Dates/Quiz Dates/Vocab Words
**Due dates are subject to change based on school activities and other interruptions that cannot be
anticipated. If due dates must be pushed back for any reason, groups will be notified ASAP.
Unit One
o DVD = 8/16
o POWERPOINT DUE = 8/30
o Quiz = 8/31 (1st period); 9/1 (4th period)
o Words = delineate, nefarious, vernacular, brawn, tout, enhance, hinder, efface, glutton, hiatus,
querulous, engender, obliterate, copious, obscure, extol, pugnacious, quell, artisan, kindle
Unit Two
o DVD = 9/3
o POWERPOINT DUE = 9/13
o Quiz = 9/14 (1st period); 9/15 (4th period)
o Words = corroborate, amorous, decorous, expedite, idyllic, juxtapose, incandescent, exasperate,
discordant, volatile, distend, fecund, sage, vacuous, deride, benevolent, scrutinize, histrionic,
didactic, assail
Unit Three
o DVD = 9/20
o POWERPOINT DUE = 9/27
o Quiz = 9/28 (1st period); 9/29 (4th period)
o Words = bucolic, pretentious, gullible, convivial, discrete, discreet, fabricate, gesticulate, laud,
belabor, reiterate, conflagration, induce, soporific, anarchy, strident, nonchalant, malleable,
ludicrous, abridge
Unit Four
o DVD = 10/11
o POWERPOINT DUE = 10/18
o Quiz = 10/19 (1st period); 10/20 (4th period)
o Words = lethargy, recondite, conspicuous, archaic, imminent, predator, coalesce, exalt, exult,
extraneous, incantation, assuage, insuperable, assiduous, indulgent, avarice, squander, penurious,
debunk, eccentric
Unit Five
o DVD = 10/25
o POWERPOINT DUE = 11/1
o Quiz = 11/3 (1st period); 11/4 (4th period)
o Words = prevaricate, imperceptible, diverse, desiccate, loquacious, maudlin, farcical, vibrant,
virulent, contemptuous, enigma, labyrinth, lucid, repudiate, superficial, primordial, mellifluous,
provincial, contrite, incessant
Unit Six
o DVD = 11/8
o POWERPOINT DUE = 11/15
o Quiz = 11/16 (1st period); 11/17 (4th period)
o Words = foible, lacerate, harangue, exact, abash, tact, uncouth, fetish, phobia, masticate, laconic,
malevolent, meander, apex, nadir, disseminate, emaciated, puissant, citadel, atrophy
Unit Seven
o DVD = 11/29
o POWERPOINT DUE = 12/6
o Quiz =12/7 (1st period); 12/8 (4th period)
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Words = austere, ornate, cerebral, incommodious, noisome, cacophony, veritable, verbatim,
concurrent, evade, impede, askew, queue, accolade, torrid, trepidation, fraught, temerity, wane,
oust
Unit Eight
o DVD = 1/10
o POWERPOINT DUE = 1/18
o Quiz = 1/19 (1st period); 1/20 (4th period)
o Words = connoisseur, asunder, raze, blighted, aghast, milieu, arduous, coterie, awry, table,
harried, irascible, congenial, boisterous, chimerical, vertigo, fallacious, impasse, zeal, berate
Unit Nine
o DVD = 1/24
o POWERPOINT DUE = 1/31
o Quiz = 2/1 (1st period); 2/2 (4th period)
o Words = vacillate, lassitude, garrulous, myriad, noxious, accost, beatific, nuance, quagmire,
somber, unawares, suffrage, cloister, docile, surfeit, incongruous, aloof, harrowing, chronic,
accentuate
Unit Ten
o DVD = 2/7
o POWERPOINT DUE = 2/14
o Quiz =2/15 (1st period); 2/16 (4th period)
o Words = truncate, baneful, circumspect, admonish, tantamount, neologism, respite, capitulate,
aphorism, confute, dexterous, entice, indolent, perfunctory, vapid, visage, slovenly, stolid,
taciturn, egregious
Cumulative Test (depends on the average grade on each Vocab Quiz): 2/22 (1st period); 2/23 (4th period)
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1st Period: Groups will randomly draw to determine PowerPoint due dates. Each group needs to choose a
team leader. The team leader is responsible for communicating with all group members and delegating
responsibilities. Tell me who your team leader is before you leave today.
Group _____
Team Leader:
Kevin Barrett
Jack Bosse
Kari Anna Byrnes
Group _____
Team Leader:
Marissa Vasquez
Brad White
Group _____
Team Leader:
Jonas Cooper
Jackson Downs
Luke Duross
Group _____
Team Leader:
Max Yorro
Michael Zipay
Group _____
Team Leader:
Peyton Fox
Keaton Gibson
Mason Grear
Group _____
Team Leader:
Parker Hatcliff
Haley Hatfield
Luke Hilliard
Group _____
Team Leader:
Andre Hillsman
LaShay Johnson-Clay
Jenny Liu
Group _____
Team Leader:
Zach Long
Summer McCord
Ben Meyer
Group _____
Team Leader:
Pete Nelson
Adam Raymer
Alexis Reece
Group _____
Team Leader:
Alex Ropp
J.T. Spradley
Peyton Tracy
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4th Period: Groups will randomly draw to determine PowerPoint due dates. Each group needs to choose a
team leader. The team leader is responsible for communicating with all group members and delegating
responsibilities. Tell me who your team leader is before you leave today.
Group _____
Team Leader:
McKenzie Abernathy
Austin Armstrong
Zach Ayo
Group _____
Team Leader:
Spencer Thompson
Austin Tipton
Group _____
Team Leader:
Brent Balachandran
Tony Bennett
Cody Bunch
Group _____
Team Leader:
Mackenzie White
Jonathan Young
Group _____
Team Leader:
Ryan Eagle
Sydney Flannery
Coyle Gregory
Group _____
Team Leader:
Seth Harrell
James Hobbs
Judah Holt
Group _____
Team Leader:
Savanna Hoover
Abigail Jones
Chelsea Jones
Group _____
Team Leader:
Zane Jones
Danny Mullane
Zach Peaden
Group _____
Team Leader:
Ben Pleace
John Poole
Group _____
Team Leader:
Sarah Priddy
Lauren Stewart
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