Extra Credit Vocabulary Options
There are several things you can do in order to study for the unit’s final vocabulary exam. You can
stick with one strategy, or try a combination of several. I have yet to decide how many points I’ll
award for pursuing these options… in part, because this is the first year I’ve ever offered extra credit
for studying (doesn’t that make you the lucky ones?) Obviously, doing more (and work of higher
quality) will be worth more points.
To earn points—and prepare for your test—you can make flashcards, write sentences, and/or do
vocabulary squares.
Making Flashcards
Create a set of flashcards for all or some of the terms. On one side, you should write the term. On
the other side, write down the definition. Make sure the definition is something you can actually
understand. Then, run through the flashcards alone or with a partner. (Flashcards… not very useful
if you never look at them.) Turn in your flashcards, along with a note stating how (and how many
times) you studied with them. The note should be signed by a parent or guardian.
Writing Sentences
Write sentences for all or some of the words from this unit, and underline the word. Each sentence
must (a) use the word in a way that shows its meaning and (b) be grammatically correct. “She’s so
somber” or “I like the word somber” would not count. “It’s appropriate to wear somber clothes to a
funeral” would count.
Doing Vocabulary Squares
In a vocabulary square, you must fill in all sections of the square accurately. You must also have at
least 5 synonyms and 5 antonyms. Due to the synonyms/antonyms requirement, vocabulary squares
are not necessarily an appropriate form of study for every word. They are excellent, however, for
learning clusters of similar words.
There is a sample square on the following page.
Part of Speech/Definition:
(adjective) sad and depressing
Synonyms
mournful, gloomy, depressing, doleful,
melancholy, cheerless, somber, dismal, miserable
cheerful, happy, vivacious, smiling, jolly, joyful,
uplifting, lively, jovial
lugubrious
Picture/Logo
Antonyms
Sentence(s)
The middle school girl wrote lots of lugubrious
poetry about her ill-fated crush.