Determine Academic, Domain-Specific Word Meanings - 3rd Grade Reading

What does the general academic word "evidence" mean in a question about supporting an idea?

Facts or details that prove an answer. Support comes from specific text details.
What should you do first to determine the meaning of an unknown word in a text?

Reread the sentence and nearby sentences for context clues. Context clues in surrounding text often reveal word meanings.
Which context clue type uses a word like "or" to rename a word?

Definition (restatement) clue. The word 'or' introduces an equivalent meaning.
Identify the meaning of "evaporate" in: "Puddles evaporate, or turn into water vapor, on hot days."

To turn from liquid water into water vapor. The comma signals a definition is coming next.
What does the suffix "-less" mean in a word such as "harmless"?

Without. This suffix indicates lacking or absence of something.
Which meaning of "observe" fits this science sentence: "Observe the caterpillar each day"?

Watch carefully and notice details. Science meaning: watch and gather data.
Identify the meaning of "habitat" in: "A habitat is the place an animal lives and finds food."

The place an animal lives. Definition follows immediately after the word.
Which meaning of "perimeter" fits: "Find the perimeter of the playground"?

The distance around an object. Math meaning: total distance around a shape's edges.
Which meaning of "region" fits: "This region gets little rain"?

An area or part of a place. Geography meaning: geographic area with shared features.
What is the difference between a general academic word and a domain-specific word?

Academic: used across subjects; domain-specific: used in one field. Academic words appear in many subjects; domain-specific words belong to one subject area.
Which meaning of "fraction" fits: "A fraction shows part of a whole"?

A number that represents part of a whole. Math meaning: parts of a whole, like $\frac{1}{2}$ or $\frac{3}{4}$ .
What is the meaning of the general academic word "process" in an informational text?

A series of steps that happen in order. Understanding sequences helps explain how things work.
Choose the meaning of "conclude" in a report: "We conclude that plants need light."

Decide based on evidence. Academic writing uses 'conclude' for evidence-based judgments.
Choose the meaning of "habitat" in a text: "A frog's habitat is a wet pond area."

The natural home of an animal or plant. Context clue 'wet pond area' defines this ecology term.
Which context clue type uses opposite meaning words, often signaled by "but" or "however"?

Contrast (antonym) context clue. Opposite meanings help define unfamiliar words.
Which meaning of "habitat" fits: "A frog's habitat is a pond"?

The natural home of a plant or animal. Science meaning: where organisms naturally live.
What does the general academic word "infer" mean when the answer is not stated directly?

Figure out using clues and what you already know. Read between the lines using context clues.
What does the general academic word "analyze" mean in informational text questions?

Examine parts closely to understand how they work together. Break down into parts to see relationships and connections.
What does the general academic word "conclude" mean after reading an informational paragraph?

Decide based on evidence in the text. Draw a final judgment from the text's information.
What should you do if context clues are not enough to determine a word's meaning?

Use a glossary or dictionary entry for that word. Reference tools provide precise definitions when context isn't clear.
Which meaning of "cell" fits: "Plants are made of many cells"?

A tiny living unit that makes up an organism. Biology meaning: basic building block of life.
Choose the meaning of "predator" in: "A predator hunts other animals for food."

An animal that hunts other animals for food. The sentence directly defines the word.
What is a domain-specific word in an informational text?

A word mostly used in one subject (for example, habitat, magma). These specialized terms belong to specific fields of study.
Choose the meaning of "observe" in science text: "Observe the plant for changes."

Watch carefully. In science, 'observe' means systematic watching for data.
What is a general academic word in an informational text?

A word used across many subjects (for example, analyze, conclude). These words appear in multiple academic contexts, not just one field.
What does the general academic word "specific" mean when a question asks for a specific detail?

Exact and clearly stated, not general. Particular details, not broad statements.
What does the general academic word "compare" mean when reading two ideas in a text?

Tell how two things are alike. Focus on similarities between things.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "contrast" in an informational text?

To tell how two things are different. Finding differences helps distinguish between similar things.
What does the general academic word "sequence" mean in a nonfiction procedure or timeline?

The order in which events or steps happen. Time order or step-by-step arrangement.
Which meaning of "current" fits: "The river current moved the boat"?

A steady flow of water. Science meaning: moving water in rivers or oceans.
What text feature in an informational book usually defines subject words at the end?

Glossary. A specialized dictionary section for subject-specific terms.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "evidence" in an informational text?

Facts or details that support an idea or answer. Proof or information that backs up claims or conclusions.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "conclude" in an informational text?

To decide based on evidence; to reach an ending idea. Drawing final thoughts after examining all the information.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "compare" in an informational text?

To tell how two things are alike. Finding similarities helps understand relationships between things.
Which meaning of "erosion" fits: "Erosion wears away rock and soil"?

The wearing away and moving of soil or rock. Earth science meaning: natural weathering process.
Which context clue type gives examples after a word, often signaled by "such as" or "for example"?

Example context clue. Specific instances help clarify the word's meaning.
What does the prefix "re-" mean in a word such as "rebuild"?

Again. This prefix indicates repetition or doing something over.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "analyze" in an informational text?

To examine closely and think about parts to understand meaning. Breaking down complex information into smaller parts helps understanding.
Which context clue type uses similar meaning words to help define an unfamiliar word?

Synonym (restatement) context clue. Words with same meaning clarify unfamiliar terms.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "summarize" in an informational text?

To tell the most important points in a shorter way. Condensing information to just the key ideas saves time.
What does the prefix "un-" mean in a word such as "unknown"?

Not. This prefix negates or reverses the base word's meaning.
Choose the meaning of "evaporate" in a text: "Water can evaporate and become vapor."

Change from liquid to gas. The phrase 'become vapor' explains this water cycle term.
Which meaning of "process" fits: "The water cycle is a process"?

A series of steps that happen in order. Science meaning: sequential changes or actions.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "specific" in an informational text?

Exact and detailed; not general. Precise details are clearer than vague statements.
What does the general academic word "contrast" mean when discussing two ideas in a text?

Tell how two things are different. Focus on differences between things.
Which context clue type uses a short meaning right after a word, often in commas or parentheses?

Definition (or explanation) context clue. The text directly tells you what the word means.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "infer" in an informational text?

To figure out using clues and what you already know. Reading between the lines to understand unstated meanings.
What does the suffix "-ful" mean in a word such as "helpful"?

Full of. This suffix indicates having a lot of the quality described.
Identify the meaning of "drought" in: "During a drought, there is little rain, so plants may die."

A long time with very little rain. Context shows the effects of having no rain.
Identify the meaning of "nocturnal" in: "Owls are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night."

Active at night. "Meaning" signals the definition follows.
Which context clue type explains a word by telling what happened because of it?

Cause-and-effect clue. Shows meaning through results or consequences.
What text feature lists important words and tells the page where each appears?

Index. An alphabetical guide showing where to find topics in the text.
Which context clue type shows a word's meaning by telling what it is not?

Contrast clue. Uses opposites or differences to reveal meaning.
Which context clue type uses "like" or "such as" to help explain a word?

Example clue. These phrases introduce specific instances that clarify meaning.
What does the general academic word "summarize" mean for an informational text section?

State the main ideas briefly in your own words. Capture key points without all details.
What is the meaning of the general academic word "describe" in an informational text?

To tell about something using details. Painting a picture with words helps readers visualize.
Which meaning of "record" fits: "Record the temperature in a chart"?

Write down information to keep it. Science meaning: document data systematically.
What is a domain-specific word in an informational text about a topic such as science or history?

A word mainly used in one subject area (topic vocabulary). Special vocabulary used by experts in that field.

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