Vocabulary Program
We will use Flocabulary as our main vocabulary program. Students will be assigned to create flashcards each week. They will work on various exercises in class to strengthen their knowledge of these words, but will need to also study at home to master this information for assessments. Students will also be exposed to both content and non-content vocabulary through our daily language arts classroom work.
Lesson One Words
1. boisterous (adj) noisy and rowdy
Cheerleaders are a very boisterous group.
Antonyms: quiet, calm
2. capacity (noun) 1. the largest possible amount that can be contained 2. the ability to do something
1. The auditorium is filled to capacity. 2. Luckily, I have the capacity to stay cool in hot places.
3. maximum (adj) the highest allowable amount
The maximum number of horses that could fit in the stable was three.
Synonyms: utmost, limit
Antonyms: minimum
4. inept (adj) without skill, clumsy
Nina was completely inept at cooking a tasty meal.
Antonyms: skilled, graceful
5. restrain (verb) to hold back from
It was difficult for me to restrain from eating too much at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Other forms: Danny showed his restraint (noun) by eating only a salad and a piece of bread.
6. commentary (noun) an explanation or interpretation
The President’s speech was followed by a political commentary on the local news channel.
7. marvel (noun) a wonderful thing or an awesome sight
Yosemite National Park is a natural marvel that takes people’s breath away daily.
Synonyms: a wonder, miracle
Other forms: Marvel is also a verb meaning “to wonder at” as in: I always marvel at those at the beach who can swim for hours in that cold water.
8. factor (noun) a reason or circumstance
One factor that convinced Sheila to take the job was the huge salary.
Synonyms: aspect, cause
Other forms: You must factor (verb) groceries, gas and the electric bill into your budget if you are thinking of living on your own. You must include them.
9. cumulative (adj) increasing by adding one thing after another
The cumulative effect of not studying for any science test all year forced me to attend summer school to remedy the F.
Other forms: Cumulative is related to accumulation (noun), which is what you get when things gather for a while, like snow.
10. intimidate (verb) to frighten, threaten, scare
Tanya always tries to intimidate Nancy before competitions by making fun of her skating ability, tripping her intentionally, and hiding her outfits.
Antonyms: to comfort, encourage
Other forms: Mr. Keller was known for using intimidation (noun) in his classroom as a technique to maintain a silent class.
11. painstaking (adj) taking a lot of care or trouble; careful
Dr. Zino performed a painstaking exam of the baby looking for what could be causing his pain and constant crying.
Antonyms: careless, sloppy
Other forms: The hunter painstakingly (adverb) waited in the bushes for a duck to fly close enough for him to shoot.
12. anguish (noun) extreme suffering or pain
The anguish that Thomas felt from the death of his mother was overwhelming and kept him from going to work for a year.
Other forms: Anguish is also a verb meaning “to suffer” as in: Amelia will anguish over the loss of her pet hamsters because she has raised them since they were born.
13. unanimous (adj) in complete agreement, everyone agreed
It was a unanimous decision by the students to make summer vacation six months long.
14. continuous (adj) without interruption or end
The continuous pounding of the hammers from the construction site next door made it impossible for the baby to take a nap.
Synonyms: nonstop, constant, unbroken
15. erupt (verb) to burst, explode or release suddenly
Vincent was convinced that the pimple on his face was going to erupt and gross out his friends at the lunch table. Synonyms: to blow up, burst, gush
Other forms: The volcano’s eruption (noun) surprised all of us, even the scientists who had studied it for years.
1. ample (adj) plenty; more than enough
Ms. Vanessa is very nice; she provided us with ample time to finish the test.
Synonyms: plentiful, fairly large
2. collaborate (verb) to work together, especially on a piece of work or art
The four scientists collaborated to write a paper on black holes.
Other forms: People who collaborate are collaborators; they form a collaboration (noun), and they show off a collaborative (adj.) spirit.
3. concise (adj) short and to the point; saying a lot in a few words
Unlike her husband, who often rambled on about random things, Lee kept stories concise and to the point. Synonyms: short and sweet, brief
Other forms: You can say something concisely (adverb).
4. distinct (adj) different; not the same as others
The smell in my grandparents’ house was very distinct. It smelled like a combination of oatmeal, shoe polish and cat hair.
Antonyms: indistinct, same
Other forms: You can distinctly (adverb) remember something that’s fresh in your mind. Distinct is also related to distinction (adj.), which is what a brave firefighter might get to honor him for a special service.
5. diversity (noun) having different types together; variety
You can tell the diversity of my interests from the books I buy: I read everything from nonfiction to comic books. Antonyms: sameness, uniformity
Other forms: You can have a diverse (adj.) wardrobe if you have many types of clothes.
6. dominate (verb) to rule over, control, or tower above
Because he is nearly seven-and-a-half feet tall, Yao Ming dominates most of his competitors on the court.
Other forms: Someone or something that dominates is dominant (adj.).
7. ignite (verb) to set on fire; to burn
After twenty minutes, Emilio was able to ignite a piece of paper using only a magnifying glass and the rays of the sun.
Other forms: A piece of wood that can catch fire is ignitable (adj.).
8. linger (verb) to stay in place longer than expected The party was supposed to end at midnight, but a few people lingered until nearly three o’clock in the morning.
Synonyms: to stay on, loiter
9. mimic (verb) to imitate or copy an action (often to make fun of someone)
As soon as our boss left the room, Esteban began to mimic him by squinting his eyes and saying, “wooonderful wooork boooys.”
ynonyms: to mock, impersonate
Other forms: Mimic can also be a noun, as in: That parrot is a talented mimic (noun).
10. objective (noun) a goal or purpose
The objective of the Army Rangers was to enter the house and find the stash of money without firing their weapons.
Other forms: Objective can also be an adjective meaning “not influenced by personal thoughts or feelings,” as in: The judge was objective (adj.), he never let his personal feelings get in the way of the law.
11. parody (noun) a funny imitation
The show Saturday Night Live did a parody of the President’s speech just three days after the real thing.
Other forms: You parody (verb) something if you imitate it for laughs, especially if you are trying to say something about the original.
12. rural (adj) out in the country or related to the country.
When you think about America, you might picture Times Square, but much of the country is rural, covered in trees, grass and farms.
Synonyms: rustic Antonyms: urban, city-like
13. strive (verb) to try hard; to struggle to accomplish something
Danny always strives to be polite, which is probably why he is so well-liked.
Antonyms: give up, surrender
14. superior (adj) better than; above average
Your writing is neat, but if you look closely, it’s obvious that Wanda has superior hand writing.
Synonyms: excellent, distinguished Antonyms: worse, inferior
15. urban (adj) having to do with the city; city-like
With so many interesting buildings, Tokyo is a great place to study urban architecture.
Antonyms: rural
We will use Flocabulary as our main vocabulary program. Students will be assigned to create flashcards each week. They will work on various exercises in class to strengthen their knowledge of these words, but will need to also study at home to master this information for assessments. Students will also be exposed to both content and non-content vocabulary through our daily language arts classroom work.
Lesson One Words
1. boisterous (adj) noisy and rowdy
Cheerleaders are a very boisterous group.
Antonyms: quiet, calm
2. capacity (noun) 1. the largest possible amount that can be contained 2. the ability to do something
1. The auditorium is filled to capacity. 2. Luckily, I have the capacity to stay cool in hot places.
3. maximum (adj) the highest allowable amount
The maximum number of horses that could fit in the stable was three.
Synonyms: utmost, limit
Antonyms: minimum
4. inept (adj) without skill, clumsy
Nina was completely inept at cooking a tasty meal.
Antonyms: skilled, graceful
5. restrain (verb) to hold back from
It was difficult for me to restrain from eating too much at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Other forms: Danny showed his restraint (noun) by eating only a salad and a piece of bread.
6. commentary (noun) an explanation or interpretation
The President’s speech was followed by a political commentary on the local news channel.
7. marvel (noun) a wonderful thing or an awesome sight
Yosemite National Park is a natural marvel that takes people’s breath away daily.
Synonyms: a wonder, miracle
Other forms: Marvel is also a verb meaning “to wonder at” as in: I always marvel at those at the beach who can swim for hours in that cold water.
8. factor (noun) a reason or circumstance
One factor that convinced Sheila to take the job was the huge salary.
Synonyms: aspect, cause
Other forms: You must factor (verb) groceries, gas and the electric bill into your budget if you are thinking of living on your own. You must include them.
9. cumulative (adj) increasing by adding one thing after another
The cumulative effect of not studying for any science test all year forced me to attend summer school to remedy the F.
Other forms: Cumulative is related to accumulation (noun), which is what you get when things gather for a while, like snow.
10. intimidate (verb) to frighten, threaten, scare
Tanya always tries to intimidate Nancy before competitions by making fun of her skating ability, tripping her intentionally, and hiding her outfits.
Antonyms: to comfort, encourage
Other forms: Mr. Keller was known for using intimidation (noun) in his classroom as a technique to maintain a silent class.
11. painstaking (adj) taking a lot of care or trouble; careful
Dr. Zino performed a painstaking exam of the baby looking for what could be causing his pain and constant crying.
Antonyms: careless, sloppy
Other forms: The hunter painstakingly (adverb) waited in the bushes for a duck to fly close enough for him to shoot.
12. anguish (noun) extreme suffering or pain
The anguish that Thomas felt from the death of his mother was overwhelming and kept him from going to work for a year.
Other forms: Anguish is also a verb meaning “to suffer” as in: Amelia will anguish over the loss of her pet hamsters because she has raised them since they were born.
13. unanimous (adj) in complete agreement, everyone agreed
It was a unanimous decision by the students to make summer vacation six months long.
14. continuous (adj) without interruption or end
The continuous pounding of the hammers from the construction site next door made it impossible for the baby to take a nap.
Synonyms: nonstop, constant, unbroken
15. erupt (verb) to burst, explode or release suddenly
Vincent was convinced that the pimple on his face was going to erupt and gross out his friends at the lunch table. Synonyms: to blow up, burst, gush
Other forms: The volcano’s eruption (noun) surprised all of us, even the scientists who had studied it for years.
1. ample (adj) plenty; more than enough
Ms. Vanessa is very nice; she provided us with ample time to finish the test.
Synonyms: plentiful, fairly large
2. collaborate (verb) to work together, especially on a piece of work or art
The four scientists collaborated to write a paper on black holes.
Other forms: People who collaborate are collaborators; they form a collaboration (noun), and they show off a collaborative (adj.) spirit.
3. concise (adj) short and to the point; saying a lot in a few words
Unlike her husband, who often rambled on about random things, Lee kept stories concise and to the point. Synonyms: short and sweet, brief
Other forms: You can say something concisely (adverb).
4. distinct (adj) different; not the same as others
The smell in my grandparents’ house was very distinct. It smelled like a combination of oatmeal, shoe polish and cat hair.
Antonyms: indistinct, same
Other forms: You can distinctly (adverb) remember something that’s fresh in your mind. Distinct is also related to distinction (adj.), which is what a brave firefighter might get to honor him for a special service.
5. diversity (noun) having different types together; variety
You can tell the diversity of my interests from the books I buy: I read everything from nonfiction to comic books. Antonyms: sameness, uniformity
Other forms: You can have a diverse (adj.) wardrobe if you have many types of clothes.
6. dominate (verb) to rule over, control, or tower above
Because he is nearly seven-and-a-half feet tall, Yao Ming dominates most of his competitors on the court.
Other forms: Someone or something that dominates is dominant (adj.).
7. ignite (verb) to set on fire; to burn
After twenty minutes, Emilio was able to ignite a piece of paper using only a magnifying glass and the rays of the sun.
Other forms: A piece of wood that can catch fire is ignitable (adj.).
8. linger (verb) to stay in place longer than expected The party was supposed to end at midnight, but a few people lingered until nearly three o’clock in the morning.
Synonyms: to stay on, loiter
9. mimic (verb) to imitate or copy an action (often to make fun of someone)
As soon as our boss left the room, Esteban began to mimic him by squinting his eyes and saying, “wooonderful wooork boooys.”
ynonyms: to mock, impersonate
Other forms: Mimic can also be a noun, as in: That parrot is a talented mimic (noun).
10. objective (noun) a goal or purpose
The objective of the Army Rangers was to enter the house and find the stash of money without firing their weapons.
Other forms: Objective can also be an adjective meaning “not influenced by personal thoughts or feelings,” as in: The judge was objective (adj.), he never let his personal feelings get in the way of the law.
11. parody (noun) a funny imitation
The show Saturday Night Live did a parody of the President’s speech just three days after the real thing.
Other forms: You parody (verb) something if you imitate it for laughs, especially if you are trying to say something about the original.
12. rural (adj) out in the country or related to the country.
When you think about America, you might picture Times Square, but much of the country is rural, covered in trees, grass and farms.
Synonyms: rustic Antonyms: urban, city-like
13. strive (verb) to try hard; to struggle to accomplish something
Danny always strives to be polite, which is probably why he is so well-liked.
Antonyms: give up, surrender
14. superior (adj) better than; above average
Your writing is neat, but if you look closely, it’s obvious that Wanda has superior hand writing.
Synonyms: excellent, distinguished Antonyms: worse, inferior
15. urban (adj) having to do with the city; city-like
With so many interesting buildings, Tokyo is a great place to study urban architecture.
Antonyms: rural