Advanced Vocabulary
Expand your academic vocabulary for college readiness, standardized tests, and sophisticated communication across disciplines.
What You'll Learn
- Master high-frequency academic vocabulary from the Academic Word List used across college disciplines
- Understand word relationships including synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and connotation
- Apply context clue strategies to determine unfamiliar word meanings in complex texts
- Integrate advanced vocabulary naturally and effectively into your own writing
- Edit texts for vocabulary precision, word choice accuracy, and stylistic consistency
- Develop strategies for SAT Craft+Structure and ACT Reading vocabulary questions
Before You Start
This unit builds on foundational vocabulary skills. You should be comfortable with:
- Basic root words, prefixes, and suffixes from earlier grades
- Dictionary and thesaurus use for word study
- Paragraph-level writing with clear topic sentences
- Identifying main ideas and supporting details in grade-level texts
If you need to review these concepts, consider revisiting the Grade 9 ELA vocabulary and reading units.
SAT/ACT Alignment
SAT Domain: Craft+Structure - Words in Context questions that require determining word meanings and analyzing word choice
ACT Section: Reading - Vocabulary questions embedded in passage comprehension
The skills in this unit directly prepare you for test questions that ask you to determine the meaning of words and phrases as used in context, and to analyze how word choice shapes meaning and tone.
Lessons
Academic Word List
Learn high-frequency academic vocabulary used across college disciplines and standardized tests.
Word Relationships
Explore synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and connotation to deepen vocabulary understanding.
Context Clues in Text Practice
Practice using definition, contrast, example, and inference clues to determine word meanings.
Writing Application
Apply advanced vocabulary effectively in your own writing for precision and style.
Editing Workshop
Practice editing for vocabulary precision, accuracy, redundancy, and consistency.
Unit Checkpoint
Assess your mastery of advanced vocabulary skills with a comprehensive review.