Vocabulary
What does analyze mean?
To examine something carefully
What does “hit the books” mean?
To start studying
Synonym for smart
Intelligent
A suspect was seen near the scene of the crime.
👉 Is this strong or weak evidence?
Weak evidence (they were only nearby, not proven guilty)
I am something you use to solve a mystery. I help you understand what happened.
Clue
What does infer mean?
To figure something out using clues
What does “spill the beans” mean?
To reveal a secret
Synonym for scared
Frightened
A suspect has no alibi.
👉 Why does this make them suspicious?
Because they cannot prove where they were
I mean to say what might happen next based on evidence.
Predict
What does justify mean?
To explain your thinking using evidence
What does “once in a blue moon” mean?
Something that happens very rarely
Synonym for important
Significant
A suspect has a strong motive but a confirmed alibi.
👉 Should they still be considered a suspect? Why?
Yes, but less likely because they had a reason, but no opportunity
I describe someone who may have committed a crime.
Suspect
What does relevant mean?
Directly connected to the topic
Use “the ball is in your court” in a sentence.
(Example) It’s your turn to decide what to do.
Synonym for difficult (academic word)
Challenging / complex
Two suspects: one was near the crime; one has no alibi. 👉 Who is more suspicious? Explain.
The one with no alibi, because they cannot prove their location
I mean to explain your answer using reasons and proof.
Evaluate
What does evaluate mean?
To judge or decide the value or importance of something
Explain what this means AND give a situation:
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Don’t decide based on appearance; example required
Replace very big with a stronger connotation.
Enormous / massive
A clue seems important, but it doesn’t connect to any suspect.
👉 Should you use it in your final conclusion? Why or why not?
No, because evidence must be relevant and connected
A suspect has a strong motive but a weak alibi. Another suspect has a strong alibi but weak motive. 👉 Who is more suspicious and why?
The suspect with the weak alibi is more suspicious because they cannot prove where they were, even if their motive is weaker.