Academic Vocabulary
What does analyze mean?
To examine something carefully.
Complete the sentence: She ___ studying right now. (is/are)
is
Maria wanted to improve her English. Every evening, she read a short article, wrote down five new words, and practiced using them in sentences. After several weeks, she noticed that she could understand her textbooks more easily and participate more confidently in class.
Who wanted to improve her English?
Maria.
What is a simile?
A comparison using “like” or “as.”
What punctuation mark ends a question?
A question mark (?).
What is a synonym for important?
Essential, significant, or valuable.
Correct the sentence: They was late to class.
They were late to class.
Maria wanted to improve her English. Every evening, she read a short article, wrote down five new words, and practiced using them in sentences. After several weeks, she noticed that she could understand her textbooks more easily and participate more confidently in class.
When did Maria practice reading?
Every evening.
Identify the simile: “The classroom was as quiet as a mouse.”
“As quiet as a mouse.”
Rewrite politely: “Give me a pencil.”
Could I please borrow a pencil?
What does compare mean?
To explain how two or more things are alike.
Complete the sentence: If I study tonight, I ___ do better on the test. (will/would)
will
Maria wanted to improve her English. Every evening, she read a short article, wrote down five new words, and practiced using them in sentences. After several weeks, she noticed that she could understand her textbooks more easily and participate more confidently in class.
What three activities did Maria do to improve her English?
She read articles, wrote down new words, and practiced using them in sentences.
What does the idiom “break the ice” mean?
To help people feel comfortable and begin interacting.
What is a topic sentence?
A sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph.
What is evidence in a reading passage?
Facts, examples, or details that support an idea or claim.
Combine the sentences using although: It was raining. We played soccer.
Although it was raining, we played soccer.
Maria wanted to improve her English. Every evening, she read a short article, wrote down five new words, and practiced using them in sentences. After several weeks, she noticed that she could understand her textbooks more easily and participate more confidently in class.
What can you infer about Maria's learning habits?
She is consistent and dedicated to improving her English.
Identify the metaphor: “My brother is a walking encyclopedia.”
It means the brother knows a great deal of information.
Which transition word shows contrast: therefore, however, or furthermore?
However.
What is the difference between summarize and paraphrase?
Summarize gives the main ideas briefly; paraphrase restates information in your own words, usually with similar detail.
Correct the sentence: By the time the teacher arrived, the students already finish the assignment.
By the time the teacher arrived, the students had already finished the assignment.
Maria wanted to improve her English. Every evening, she read a short article, wrote down five new words, and practiced using them in sentences. After several weeks, she noticed that she could understand her textbooks more easily and participate more confidently in class.
What is the central idea of the passage? Use a detail to support your answer.
Consistent practice can improve English skills. For example, Maria practiced every evening and became better at understanding textbooks and participating in class.
What does “I have a million things to do” mean? Is it literal or figurative?
It means the speaker has many tasks to complete. It is figurative language and an example of hyperbole (exaggeration).
Write a claim and one piece of evidence to support the claim: “Students should have time to read every day.”
Example claim: Students should read every day. Evidence: Daily reading helps students build vocabulary and improve reading comprehension.