Unit 2 - Teaching English Vocabulary

Question 1

Meaning of Lexis

Answer 1

all words and phrases in a language

Question 2

Relationship between lexis and vocabulary

Answer 2

Lexis: all words and phrases in a language
Vocabulary: specific set of the lexis

Question 3

Meaning of Lexical Set

Answer 3

Words that can be grouped by category (eg. kitchen appliances)

Question 4

Meaning of Collocation

Answer 4

Words that often occur together (eg. crystal clear, dry wine, high winds)

Question 5

Meaning of Cognate

Answer 5

Related words across different languages/words with the same historical origin

Question 6

Meaning of False Friends

Answer 6

Words that look familiar across languages, but have different meanings

Question 7

Ways to present new vocabulary

Answer 7

Realia
Pictures/Drawings
Diagrams to show relationships between words in a lexical set
Mindmaps - items associated with a word or topic
Mime/Gesture/Video - for illustrating simple action verbs
Punctuation marks - to provide scaffolding to help comprehension
Technology/Powerpoint presentations
Teacher Translation
Independent Translation (make sure to check comprehension as words often have more than one meaning)

Question 8

Meaning of Language Grading

Answer 8

Using language that students will understand/that is at their level

Question 9

3 Tips to follow when teaching Vocabulary

Answer 9

1) Grade your language
2) Plan: Decide what vocabulary you are teaching and how you will explain it
3) Context: Where possible explain new items by relating them to language students already know

Question 10

3 essential steps when teaching vocabulary

Answer 10

1) Putting item in context
2) Explaining meaning
3) Check that students understand

Question 11

What is a useful way to check that students understand target language in vocabulary?

Answer 11

Concept Checking

Question 12

What is a way to concept check?

Answer 12

Using Concept Questions

Question 13

Define concept questions

Answer 13

simple questions requiring short answers in order to check students comprehension of vocabulary taught

Question 14

Rules to follow when devising vocabulary concept questions

Answer 14

• Devise simple questions that require only simple, short answers
• Use language that students will understand and avoid using the word/phrase you are checking
• If you receive an incorrect answer go back and explain

Question 15

A vocabulary concept question should….

Answer 15

• focus on essential meaning of the target language
• usually not use the target language
• use simple graded language appropriate to students level
• require short, simple answers

Question 16

Define Eliciting…

Answer 16

Give your students a chance to show what they already know

Question 17

Why should teachers use eliciting when teaching?

Answer 17

• Encourage students to participate, and follow what both teachers and students are saying
• Students are encouraged to use language they know to participate rather than just sitting and passively listening
• Students who already know target language are able to show their knowledge and are less likely to complain that the lesson is too easy

Question 18

How much vocabulary should be taught in an individual hour long lesson?

Answer 18

8-12 vocabulary words, avoid teaching lists of more than 12, do not teach more than 20 new items in a single lesson

Question 19

Receptive Vocabulary/Passive Vocabulary

Answer 19

Vocabulary that we recognize and understand, but do not actually use in our own language

Question 20

Productive Vocabulary/Active Vocabulary

Answer 20

Vocabulary we use in our own language - when speaking & writing

Question 21

How should receptive vocabulary be taught in comparison to productive vocabulary?

Answer 21

Gibe less information, students only need to be able to recognize and understand it when they see or hear it

Question 22

How can you make sure students do not forget vocabulary when teaching future lessons?

Answer 22

Recycle old vocabulary into newer lessons

Question 23

How can you make sure students effectively learn new vocabulary?

Answer 23

Make sure students record their vocabulary in a way which will help them learn it, and make sure they practice using it.

Question 24

What should vocabulary classes include?

Answer 24

• practicing seeing, hearing and using target language in context
• include: reading texts, listening texts, speaking activities and writing activities

Question 25

Ways to record vocabulary

Answer 25

vocabulary cards

recording in textbook & grouping in a way that makes sense to student