Analyze & Argue
To state a fact or belief confidently.
Assert
Information or data that serves as proof or support for a conclusion or belief.
Evidence
The number of study hours schools expect for every 1 hour spent in class.
2 hours
Restating a passage or concept in your own words to check comprehension and reinforce memory
Paraphrasing
A word part attached to the beginning of a word that shifts its meaning
Prefix
While "compare" looks at similarities and differences, this term specifically means to show differences when compared.
Contrast
Information based on direct observation, experience, or experiment rather than theory.
Empirical
The belief that mental abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort.
Growth mindset
Writing questions, reactions, and connections directly in the margins to create a dialogue with the text.
Annotation
The central core or foundational element of a word.
Root
To publicly support or recommend a cause or policy.
Advocate
Indirect evidence pointing toward a conclusion that suggests something without directly proving it
Circumstantial
The formal variety of English is expected in professional healthcare and academic settings that expands your communication skills without replacing your cultural identity.
Standard American English (SAE)
The active process of engaging with text through annotating, highlighting, and paraphrasing (decidedly not speed reading)
Active reading
A word part added to the end of a word that frequently indicates its grammatical part of speech.
Suffix
To inspect or examine something closely and thoroughly.
Scrutinize (or Examine)
To confirm or support a claim with additional, independent evidence.
Corroborate
The 7-letter acronym that outlines: Set goals, Utilize schedules, Create academic environment, Communicate, Evaluate course materials, Employ test-taking techniques, and Design your life.
SUCCEED
Marking select, high-priority information directly on the page to aid comprehension and memory.
Highlighting
The context clue type where the author explicitly defines the term (e.g., "ambulatory, meaning able to walk").
Definition clue
To show or prove a position to be right or reasonable.
Justify
To provide the evidence or data needed to support a claim
Substantiate
Academics use this type of challenging material to foster critical thinking, offer authentic viewpoints, and prepare students for real-world scenarios.
Controversial content
Conducting quick online searches before reading complex assignments helps build this, significantly improving comprehension.
Background knowledge
High-utility vocabulary words that appear across a broad variety of academic subjects rather than one specific field.
General academic vocabulary