Word Map
Vocabulary Acquisition Activity – Grade 4
Activity Overview:
In this activity students develop their understanding of grade level tier 2 vocabulary words
through the use of a graphic organizer. The graphic organizer focuses on the definition,
synonyms, and examples of the word. The vocabulary word is also used in a sentence.
Materials:
1. Word Map
2. Vocabulary Word: wicked*
3. Pencils
Procedure:
1. Explain to students that a Word Map is a type of graphic organizer.
2. Display the Word Map.
3. Write the target vocabulary word in the word box.
4. Define the target vocabulary word using student friendly language. Write the student
friendly definition in the box labeled definition.
5. Further clarify word meaning by providing several synonyms, or synonym-like words.
Write these words/ideas in the boxes labeled synonyms. Provide several antonyms or
antonym-like words. Write these words in the box labeled antonyms.
6. Write one example sentence (use one of the synonyms for targeted word) and one nonexample sentence (use one of the antonyms for the targeted word) in the sentences
box. These sentences should demonstrate understanding of the word meaning.
*Use the same procedure to introduce and teach each subsequent word.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
wicked
dispute
excavate
initiate
torment
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Name:
Word Map
Definition
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word
Sentences
(example)
(non-example)
Copyright © 2016 Write Score LLC
Word Map #1
Teacher Edition: wicked
Definition
very bad, bad behavior
Synonyms
Antonyms
unkind
good
bad
Word
considerate
wicked
Sentences
Tom always tells lies. (example)
She is a considerate person. (non-example)
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Word Map #2
Teacher Edition: dispute
Definition
question or deny the truth
Synonyms
Antonyms
fight
agree
quarrel
debate
allow
Word
rust
dispute
Sentences
The girls argued over who won the race. (example)
The boys agree on which game to play. (non-example)
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Word Map #3
Teacher Edition: excavate
Definition
to uncover, to hollow or dig out
Synonyms
Antonyms
dig
fill in
dredge
burrow
Word
smooth over
excavate
Sentences
The paleontologist will dig for dinosaur bones. (example)
We will fill the hole in the dirt made by the rain. (non-example)
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Word Map #4
Teacher Edition: initiate
Definition
to begin or start
Synonyms
Antonyms
begin
end
commence
complete
Word
get under way
finish
initiate
Sentences
The PTA got the fair started at 5:00 p.m. (example)
The party ended after you left. (non-example)
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Word Map #5
Teacher Edition: torment
Definition
to cause severe suffering to the body or mind
Synonyms
Antonyms
torture
comfort
pain
tease
ease
Word
pleasure
torment
pester
relief
Sentences
She teased her little brother until he cried. (example)
Playing with his big brother brought him a lot of pleasure. (non-example)
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