Candide
by Voltaire
Barnes & Noble Classics (New York: 2003)
Word Squares
Context: Use the word squares strategy as a before or during reading activity. Teachers should
use this strategy anytime they identify a chapter with challenging vocabulary. This is a strategy
that can be used with abstract vocabulary introduced in Candide. The novel Candide uses a bit
different language than many modern students have encountered. The language is
understandable, but can pose some difficulty with Voltaire’s word choice. This strategy will
foster students’ ability in effectively acquiring vocabulary. Students will have the ability to
attack vocabulary and manipulate it in a way that builds long term usage and comprehension.
Purpose: This word squares activity supports vocabulary acquisition. This strategy is used to
familiarize students with new terms, teaching them the necessary steps to acquire and
implement new words into their vocabulary as they see, hear, recognize, know, and use the
words. Students will indentify, spell, and say the word in the first square. In the second square,
students draw their own visual representation of the word. This should help student retention
of the word. This is a great strategy for abstract words as it allows students to create their own
visual associations. Students define the word in the third square, preferably using their own
version of a definition rather than one from a dictionary. In the fourth square, students use the
word in a sentence.
Rationale: In an effort to maintain student’s engagement with, and comprehension of, the text,
students will spend a portion of class participating in this activity while reading the novel. This
strategy directs students’ attention to challenging vocabulary found throughout the novel and
asks students to learn difficult or abstract vocabulary.
Materials Needed: paper, writing utensil, worksheet.
Time: Teacher’s discretion. Strategy should only take a portion of class time. Strategy can be
used as a before or during reading activity.
O’Very, BYU, 2009
Steps:
1. Demonstrate how to create a word square using a word from the chapter that students
are familiar with such as “stockings”. Divide an overhead transparency into four
sections. In the top left square write the word you have chose to use. In the top right
square, draw a picture of stockings to remind yourself of what it is. In the bottom left
corner, write a definition in your own words for the term. (Students may need to look
up the word in a dictionary first or reread the word in its original context to help with
this step.) Finally, in the bottom right corner, write a contextually rich sentence that
uses the word correctly and demonstrates
Word
Picture
understanding of the term.
2. Once students understand how to create their
Definition
Sentence
own word square, have them pick three of the
following vocabulary words from the list to
make their own squares. Encourage students
to look up the definition of the word in a classroom dictionary, and reread it in the text
as part of their search for the definition.
3. After students have completed their own squares, have them get into groups of two or
three to share their squares with others with different vocabulary words.
Assessment: Grade the word squares based on their thorough and thoughtful completion as
well as the inclusion of an appropriate definition of the word and a sentence that shows their
clear understanding of the vocabulary word.
Word List
1. Unaffected (11)
2. Amiable (11)
3. Implicitly (12)
4. Pensive (12)
5. Consternation (13)
6. Fatigue (14)
7. Civility (14)
8. Oblige (16)
9. Harmony (17)
10. Scoundrels (17)
O’Very, BYU, 2009
WORD SQUARE AND
Candide
Directions: Voltaire uses a number of words that may be unfamiliar to you. In
order to better understand Voltaire’s writing style, please use this list of
vocabulary words below to fill in the word squares. Do just as the boxes say along
with your teacher’s instructions.
 First, write the word.
 Second, draw a visual representation of the word.
 Third, define the term in your own words.
 Fourth, use the word correctly in a contextually rich sentence of your own
making.
1. Unaffected (11)
2. Amiable (11)
Word
Picture
Definition
Sentence
3. Implicitly (12)
4. Pensive (12)
5. Consternation (13)
6. Fatigue (14)
7. Civility 14)
8. Oblige (16)
9. Harmony (17)
10. Scoundrels (17)
O’Very, BYU, 2009