Activities

1. Find at least five key vocabulary words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) in a text.
   
   
2. For each vocabulary word, use context clues to construct the word’s definition.

3. Compare each vocabulary word’s definition to the dictionary definition.
   
   
4. Construct a chart for each word in which you list both another synonym for the original word and an antonym.

5. Re-write the original sentence in which the word appeared using a synonym instead.
   
   
6. Write original sentences using each antonym. Be sure to use the antonym in context to show that you understand the definition.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Students select at least 5 grade level vocabulary words from a text. These 5 should cover a range of parts of speech and should come from sentences that help to illustrate their definition.
   
   
2. Students are able to construct a working definition of each word using only the text itself. Students should be able to cite specific examples/evidence from the text that support its meaning.
   
   
3. Students should be able to evaluate their working definitions arrived at through context clues to that of the word’s dictionary definition.
   
   
4. Students accurately make a chart to fill in the original word’s synonym and an antonym. Students may find these words on their own or by using a dictionary and/or thesaurus. Make sure students understand the definitions of their new synonyms and antonyms.
   
   
5. Students demonstrate understanding of the synonym by re-writing the original sentence with the synonym. Students should not just drop in the synonym in the original word’s place, but re-organize and rephrase the original sentence.
   
   
6. Students demonstrate understanding of the antonym by writing their own original sentences with context clues.

Suggested Rubric:  This rubric may be used to assess a student’s overall mastery of the standard or eligible content.