Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
000i-00vi_Gr06_vocab&spelling-FM.indd 1
5/12/09 2:50:54 PM
000i-00vi_Gr06_vocab&spelling-FM.indd 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
5/12/09 2:50:54 PM
Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Unit 2: Spelling
000i-00vi_Gr06_vocab&spelling-FM.indd 3
Level I
iii
5/12/09 2:50:54 PM
Answer Key. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
iv
Level I
000i-00vi_Gr06_vocab&spelling-FM.indd 4
5/12/09 2:50:54 PM
Introduction
The Exceeding the Standards resource books provide in-depth language arts instruction to enrich
students skills development beyond the level of meeting the standards. Exceeding the Standards:
Vocabulary & Spelling offers meaningful ways to incorporate word study into the language arts
classroom.
Vocabulary & Spelling presents thirty-two lessons, designed to be used weekly, that cover a broad
range of topics from etymology to context clues to spelling patterns. These lessons are aligned with
the units of the Mirrors & Windows: Connecting with Literature program and may be used alone or as
supplements to the Vocabulary & Spelling workshops in the Student Edition. Each lesson incorporates
words from selections in the corresponding unit of the textbook. By using these lessons in
conjunction with the literature program, you will help your students become better readers, writers,
speakers, and spellers.
Each lesson in Vocabulary & Spelling includes the following components:
A Word of the Week, selected from the corresponding textbook unit, highlights a word that
students may find particularly meaningful or interesting.
Grammar instruction on one or more topics is followed by a Try It Yourself section that allows
students to practice what they are learning.
Just For Fun activities encourage students to play with words, reminding them that language can be
fun and interesting.
Tip boxes in the margin throughout the lesson clarify definitions, offer additional information, and
give helpful suggestions.
A Time Out for Test Practice at the end of each unit provides students with the opportunity to
assess what they have learned and to practice test-taking skills by answering sample standardized
test questions in a multiple-choice format.
It is essential that vocabulary instructions include a variety of strategies to develop students
word-study skills. Lessons in Vocabulary & Spelling provide many different ways of exploring and
studying words, word parts, semantic families, and spelling patterns and rules. Activating students
prior knowledge of words and of essential concepts related to words helps students make associations
between new terms and words they already know.
The activities in Vocabulary & Spelling will help you actively engage students in working with
words. As their curiosity about word exploration grows, your students will become increasingly
confident in their ability to attack, learn, and experiment with new words.
For more vocabulary and spelling instruction, including charts of common prefixes, suffixes, and
word roots, refer to the Mirrors & Windows Student Edition Language Arts Handbook, Section 2:
Vocabulary & Spelling. Additional vocabulary development activities integrated with the literature
selections are included in the Meeting the Standards unit resource books and in Differentiated
Instruction for English Language Learners.
Teaching Tips
Word study encompasses not only vocabulary and spelling, but also the strategies language users
employ to unlock meanings and internalize spellings. Effective instruction in word study gives students
tools for learning new vocabulary and spelling independently in the long term. The following teaching
tips can help you ensure that your students get the most from the lessons in Vocabulary & Spelling.
000i-00vi_Gr06_vocab&spelling-FM.indd 5
Level I
5/12/09 2:50:54 PM
vi
Level I
000i-00vi_Gr06_vocab&spelling-FM.indd 6
5/12/09 2:50:54 PM
LEssON 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 1
Tip
LEvEL I, unIt 1
5/12/09 2:52:50 PM
Tip
Try It Yourself
In your own notebook, fill in this sample of a word study notebook. Use
the space at the bottom of the page to draw a picture for the word.
New vocabulary
Spelling words and spelling tips
Word: atone
Pronunciation:
Origins:
Definition:
Sentence using the word:
Drawing:
Tip
Tip
agog
jocund
waft
gelatinous
talisman
Word study is all about investigating words. Its about finding out where
they come from and what they mean. Its about finding patterns in the way
they are spelled and pronounced. As you continue to study words, you
may use your word study notebook to record notes on your investigation.
You may list words that you have trouble spelling, words that are easily
confused, or words that share a particular spelling pattern or word root.
You may also include memory tricks, fun word facts, and so on.
Words missed on spelling test:
preferred
divine
canoeing
schedule
Words with the root path, meaning feeling:
sympathy
psychopath
pathetic
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 2
5/12/09 2:52:50 PM
LEssON 2
Vowel sounds
There are only five vowels in Englishnot counting sometime-vowels
y and wbut there are more than twice as many vowel sounds. This is
because every vowel can make more than one sound. For example, the
letter a can make a short sound (a), a long sound (6), a short o sound
(5), an aw sound (0), or a schwa sound (@), an indistinct sound like eh
or uh.
examples
Long sounds
/6/ mate, sail
/7/ be, deep
/8/ my, ice
/9/ so, boat
/2/ tune, crew
Other sounds
/0/ or, raw, author
/1/ soot, foot, put
/ou/ out, now
/oi/ toy, boil
/@/ tractor, even
Often, a team of two vowels will combine to make a long vowel sound.
The following are different vowel teams, or digraphs, that can make the
long vowel sounds /6/, /7/, /8/, /9/, and /2/.
/6/
/7/
/8/
/9/
/2/
Sometimes y can be a
vowel that sounds like a
long i (cry, my) or long e (surely).
Tip
Tip
The sounds /ou/ and /oi/ are diphthongs. That is, they contain two
vowel sounds in one. They begin with one vowel sound and end with
another.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 3
LEvEL I, unIt 1
5/12/09 2:52:51 PM
Tip
aim, play
seen, bead
tie
boat, toe, show
suit, clue
Tip
Some vowel teams can make more than one sound. There are at
least three ways to pronounce the vowel team ea:
/7/
bead
/e/
head
/ay/
wear
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Some of the words below have a short /a/ sound as in cat and mat, and
others have a long // sound as in state and bay. In your notebook, create
a three-column chart. Label the first column Short /a/ [cat, mat]; the
second column Long // [state, bay]; and the third column Other
[star, bear, awful]. Put each word in the correct group. Some words will
not fit in either group. Put these oddballs in the third column.
aid
art
babble
care
crane
display
flame
grasp
guitar
hail
jab
lair
lame
make
neighbor
rant
rein
straw
task
veil
ExErCIsE B
Circle the word that does not belong in each of the following categories.
1. /ou/ about, vow, know, shout
Tip
2. /oi/
3. //
.
4. /u /
6. incred____ble
7. import____nt
8. confid____nce
Consonant sounds
The consonant sounds are sounds made by the consonants, that is,
all the letters of the alphabet other than the vowels a, e, i, o, u, and
sometimes y and sometimes w.
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 4
5/12/09 2:52:51 PM
/b/
/ch/
/d/
/f/
/g/
/h/
/j/
/k/
but, cub
child, patch
doll, cod
fall, cuff
girl, hug
hope, ham
jam, fudge
kid, pick
Consonant Sounds
/l/ lip, pull
/m/ man, lamb
/n/ not, can
/4 / sing, ink
/p/ pull, up
/r/ ram, core
/s/ sip, miss
/sh/ ship, lotion
/t/
/th/
/th/
/v/
/w/
/y/
/z/
tip, cut
thank, forth
there, that
very, cove
wet, twin
your, yard
zip, pleasure
Tip
Some consonants make more than one sound. The consonants c, q, and
x make the sounds shown below.
c
can sound like /ks/ (as in next) or, rarely, /z/ (as in xylophone).
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE C
1. In some of the words below, the letter c makes its soft sound, /s/,
and in others it makes its hard sound, /k/. In your notebook, create
a three-column chart. Label the first column Soft c [cell, city];
the second column Hard c [cake, actor]; and the third column
Other. Put each word in the correct group. Some words will not
fit in either group. Put these oddballs in the third column.
candid
citrus
curtain
factory
march
nice
ocean
popcorn
receive
recent
2. The following words all contain the sound /sh/. However, they use
different letters to spell the sound. On your own paper, sort them into
groups according to the way they are spelled.
ashamed
commercial
dish
initial
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 5
Tip
mission
nation
patient
shell
special
sugar
tissue
unsure
LEvEL I, unIt 1
5/12/09 2:52:51 PM
LEssON 3
Tip
Here are some words with more than one syllable. Read them aloud to
yourself. How many vowel sounds can you hear in each word?
examples
sub-ject
he-ro-ic
ge-ol-o-gy
in-ev-i-ta-ble
(2 syllables)
(3 syllables)
(4 syllables)
(5 syllables)
There are different types of syllables. Certain syllables may tend to have
different vowel sounds.
1. Closed syllable: a single vowel is followed by a consonant. The
consonant ends, or closes, the syllable. The vowel sound is
usually short.
den, san dal, pic nic
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 6
5/12/09 2:52:52 PM
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Divide each of the following words into syllables, listening for the vowel
sound in each syllable. Then, identify the types of syllables in the word.
example
Tip
cuddle
cud / dle: closed syllable, consonant-le syllable
1. rotate
stab star
pen per
fix fir
2. pudgy
on or
bun burn
3. system
4. eagle
5. particular
Sort the following words into two groups according to whether the first
vowel sound is long or short. Then, look at the consonants, vowels, and
syllables in each word and tell whether you notice a pattern. Write your
responses in your notebook.
acorn
attic
better
crying
dictate
foggy
gymnast
idol
meter
open
rumor
sunny
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 7
yog
nin
lave
dipdat
shule
Tip
ExErCIsE B
LEvEL I, unIt 1
5/12/09 2:52:52 PM
LEssON 4
Tip
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 8
MorphemesChunks of Meaning
Understand the Concept
As you may already know, many words are made up of several
meaningful parts. For example, the word disorder is made up of a
prefix, dis-, meaning not, plus the base word order. These meaningful
word parts, or morphemes, include prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and
base words.
Prefixes are word parts that attach to the beginning of a word.
examples
Word roots are word parts (such as leg in illegible or pop in popular)
that cannot stand alone, but combine with prefixes and suffixes to make
words.
example
Base words can stand alone as words, but often link to other word parts
to create new words.
example
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
pregame
stardom
purplish
nonrepayable
judgment
5/12/09 2:52:53 PM
Now, underline the word root in each of the following words. Then, tell
what prefixes and suffixes are attached to it. Refer to your Word Parts
Charts for help.
6. transport
7. visible
8. revolution
ExErCIsE B
Predict the meaning of each of the following words based on its parts.
You may need to look at your Word Parts Charts for the meanings of
prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Write your answers in your notebook
in a way that reflects the example below.
example
unacceptable
prefix: un-, meaning not
base word: accept, meaning to receive willingly
suffix: -able, meaning able to be or fit to be
predicted meaning: not fit to be received willingly
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
subdermal
semisweet
infinity
ultrasonic
indispensable
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 9
ped
phon
port
psych
retrorupt
LEvEL I, unIt 1
5/12/09 2:52:53 PM
LEssON 5
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
For each word in the following word groups, circle the morpheme that
the group has in common. Then describe how the words in the group
are similar in meaning.
1. repay
payment
paying
payable
overpay
How are these words similar?
You will find common
prefixes, suffixes, and
word roots on the Word Parts
Charts provided by your teacher.
Tip
2. aquarium
aqualung
aquatic
aquaplane
aquamarine
How are these words similar?
10
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 10
5/12/09 2:52:53 PM
3. prejudge
preheat
preteen
premature
prewashed
predawn
attainable
touchable
lovable
drinkable
portable
objected
eject
dejected
rejection
inject
Imagine that you want to write the word progressive, but you cant
remember if the word has one s or two. Think of other words you know
that contain gress. You may remember how to spell progress, aggressive,
or congress. As you jot down the other words that contain gress, you see
the pattern and realize that progressive is correct, not progresive.
Tip
Tip
Choose one of the word roots listed below and create a root family tree
with three branches, listing three words that have grown from the word
root. You may display your Root Family Trees in the classroom.
example
malbad
chrontime
pathfeeling
spec, spic, spectto look
cosmuniverse; order
log, logueword, speech
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 11
LEvEL I, unIt 1
11
5/12/09 2:52:54 PM
LEssON 6
(shared sound)
(shared spelling)
(shared meaning)
Words that are related in sound may also be related in spelling. For
example, the following words share the long-e sound and the spelling
pattern ea.
please, meal, bead
Many words that are related in spelling are also related in meaning. For
example, look at the following group of words. Do you see the pattern?
decide, decision, decisive, decisively
Sound, spelling, and meaning are all closely interconnected.
Many words that are related in sound are also related in spelling and/
or meaning. As you continue to study words, be aware of the different
ways they can be related. You will become aware of patterns that will
help with your spelling and pronunciation.
Tip
Try It Yourself
Look over each of the following word groups, looking for patterns in
sound, spelling, and/or meaning. Tell what the words have in common;
then, add a word of your own to the list.
1. cough, fluff, calf, off, laugh,
Pattern:
2. ginger, journey, jagged, gelatin, gentle,
Pattern:
3. silky, muddle, happen, bicker, occupy,
Pattern:
12
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 12
5/12/09 2:52:54 PM
Tip
Tip
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 13
LEvEL I, unIt 1
13
5/12/09 2:52:55 PM
LEssON 7
Tip
speech.
Tip
Meaning
make or cause to be
around; about
opposite; remove; reduce
past tense of verb
most
full of
too much; too many; extreme
make or cause to be
action or process
wrongly
excessive
again; back
across; beyond
below or short of a quantity
or limit
in such a direction
Examples
fixate, activate
circumnavigate, circumstance
devalue, delouse
called, relied, confused
tallest, lowest
helpful, gleeful, woeful
hyperactive, hyperbole
vilify, magnify, glorify
revolution, occasion
misfire, misread, mislead
overdone, overload, overkill
redo, recall, recycle
transatlantic, transcend
underestimate, underpay
toward, sideways, crosswise,
onward
The chart below provides examples of a few common word roots, their
meanings, and examples of how they are used. Try to become familiar
with these word roots so you can use them to uncover the meaning of
words you do not know.
14
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 14
5/12/09 2:52:55 PM
Word Root
bene
dem / demo
fer
flect / flex
scrib / script
ver
vid / vis
Meaning
good
people
carry
bend
write
truth
see
Example
benefit, benefactor, beneficial
demographic, democrat, democracy
refer, confer, defer
deflect, flexible, reflex
description, prescription
verdict, veracity, verifiable
visual, video, vision
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Read the following sentences. Identify the word parts you find in each
sentence by placing them in the proper columns of the chart that
follows.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Suffixes
Word Roots
ExErCIsE B
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
reappearance
re-: reaction, reread, revise
appear: disappear, appearing, reappear
-ance: disturbance, performance, instance
invaluable
exported
inconsiderateness
overstatement
disability
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 15
LEvEL I, unIt 1
15
5/12/09 2:52:55 PM
16
LEvEL I, unIt 1
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 16
5/12/09 2:52:56 PM
LEssON 8
spelling Plurals
Understand the Concept
A noun can be singular or plural. A singular noun indicates one
person, place, thing, or idea. A plural noun refers to more than one
person, place, or thing. Form the plurals of most nouns simply by
adding s to the end of the word.
examples
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Write the plural form of each of the following words in your notebook.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
alien
veranda
country
probability
dictionary
banjo
clutch
box
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 17
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
quarrel
turkey
barometer
tax
business
responsibility
envelope
Tip
LEvEL I, unIt 2
17
5/12/09 2:52:57 PM
Tip
Tip
Irregular Plurals
The plurals of some nouns are irregular.
Singular
child
man
woman
ox
foot
goose
tooth
mouse
louse
children
men
women
oxen
feet
geese
teeth
mice
lice
A few nouns ending in f, ff, and fe have irregular plural forms. They
form their plurals by changing the f to a v. When in doubt, consult a
dictionary.
examples
Tip
Plural
knife knives
thief thieves
hoof hoofs or hooves
Try It Yourself
18
LEvEL I, unIt 2
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 18
ExErCIsE B
1. While the men hunted for deers, their wifes chopped wood with
sturdy axs.
2. The cookes used knifes to slice tomatos for the sandwichs.
3. On Fridays we have quizes.
4. The pink flamingos balanced on their toes in the marshs.
5. When the snow covered the rooves of the houses and piled up in
the branchs of trees, the Olsons got out their skies and headed for
the slopes.
5/12/09 2:52:57 PM
LEssON 9
Tip
Changing y to i
If you are adding a suffix to a word that ends with y, and that y follows a
vowel, you should usually leave the y in place.
examples
day + -ly = daily
pay + ed = paid
However, if you are adding a suffix to a word that ends with y, and
that y follows a consonant, you should usually change the y to i.
(Consonants are letters that are not vowels.)
examples
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 19
LEvEL I, unIt 2
19
5/12/09 2:52:58 PM
Tip
examples
However, if you are adding a suffix that begins with a vowel, you should
usually drop the final silent e.
examples
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Add the following prefixes and/or suffixes to the following words, being
sure to drop the silent e and change the y to i where necessary. Then
write a sentence using the new word you have formed.
example
irritate + ing
I found the sound effects extremely irritating.
1. anxious + -ly =
2. love + -able =
3. chilly + -ness =
4. rate + -ing =
5. un- + notice + -able =
6. in- + advise + -able =
7. age + -ing =
8. sincere + -ly =
20
LEvEL I, unIt 2
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 20
5/12/09 2:52:58 PM
9. anxious + -ness =
10. apply + -ing =
begin
commit
fun
occur
sad
submit
beginner
committing
funny
occurrence
sadden
submitted
Try It Yourself
E x e r ci s e B
-ed
-en
-er
-ing
-ence
-ance
-y
1. control
2. allow
3. refer
4. stop
5. grit
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 21
Level I, unit 2
21
5/12/09 2:52:58 PM
LEssON 10
spellingsound-Alike Endings
Understand the Concept
Certain word endings cause spelling errors because they sound alike.
Learning the patterns in how they are used can help improve your
spelling dramatically.
22
LEvEL I, unIt 2
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 22
5/12/09 2:52:59 PM
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Tip
tch or ch
fe_____
cou_____
atta_____
misma_____
whi_____
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Tip
2. If the noun form of the word ends in -ation, then use -able. If the
noun form ends in -ition, -tion, -sion, or -ion, you should use -ible.
imagination imaginable
collection collectible
3. If the root ends in the sound of hard c or g (the sounds in cart and
get), the suffix is probably -able. If the root ends in the sound of a
soft c or g (the sounds in cell and gel), the suffix is probably -ible.
digestible, responsible,
inevitable, irritable
despicable, baggable
forcible, legible
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 23
LEvEL I, unIt 2
23
5/12/09 2:52:59 PM
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE C
2. succeed
3. exceed
4. concede
5. precede
24
LEvEL I, unIt 2
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 24
5/12/09 2:52:59 PM
LEssON 11
embarrass
enough
everything
excellent
favorite
finally
forty
library
lightning
minute
necessary
neighbor
niece
occasion
people
privilege
probably
really
receive
restaurant
scissors
separate
through
until
usually
weird
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Choose five of the words from the list above that you find particularly
troublesome. Write a sentence using each one, being sure to spell the
word correctly.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 25
LEvEL I, unIt 2
25
5/12/09 2:52:59 PM
ExErCIsE B
Whenever you encounter a word that is difficult for you to spell, write it
in your word study notebook. Keep track of these words and find ways
to remember their spellings.
26
LEvEL I, unIt 2
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 26
E
C
O
M
M
I
T
T
E
E
Y
L
O
K
I
A
E
O
E
R
U
V
V
N
G
I
E
R
O
F
M
N
R
A
B
S
E
N
C
E
S
L
T
F
M
S
O
E
X
Y
T
X
I
E
Z
E
A
E
Z
O
H
T
M
U
I
Y
C
C
R
W
P
R
I
F
F
I
U
V
I
U
G
E
O
W
P
A
A
D
E
S
D
R
I
R
T
R
L
U
E
O
R
P
E
U
N
W
F
L
T
O
T
L
H
I
E
A
X
C
G
E
O
I
L
A
K
O
E
I
R
R
T
C
E
Z
I
E
L
A
O
N
P
N
D
D
T
E
F
N
B
C
C
O
I
L
E
J
C
R
R
S
N
R
D
R
E
E
P
N
P
R
I
E
E
S
E
P
I
R
A
T
I
S
T
H
T
B
R
N
C
H
V
M
Q
A
H
N
I
H
E
W
E
P
D
N
E
C
S
E
D
H
absence
committee
descend
excellence
foreign
niece
omitted
separate
success
villain
weird
5/12/09 2:53:00 PM
potatos
radios
pianoes
tomatos
_____ 10. A.
B.
C.
D.
tastless
hopful
politness
completely
_____ 2. A.
B.
C.
D.
messes
bushs
churchs
boxs
_____ 11. A.
B.
C.
D.
lonliness
beautiful
uglyest
busyness
_____ 3. A.
B.
C.
D.
partys
countrys
mysterys
days
_____ 4. A.
B.
C.
D.
brookes
thiefs
leafs
roofs
_____ 5. A.
B.
C.
D.
heros
zoos
gooses
taxs
_____ 6. A.
B.
C.
D.
misspelled
unecessary
coperative
imature
_____ 7. A.
B.
C.
D.
dayly
cryed
noisily
stickyness
_____ 8. A.
B.
C.
D.
replacment
changable
courageous
peacable
_____ 9. A.
B.
C.
D.
valuble
timless
finaly
famous
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 27
LEvEL I, unIt 2
27
5/12/09 2:53:00 PM
LEssON 12
Tip
2
3
4
5
28
LEvEL I, unIt 3
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 28
Context Clues
When you come across an unfamiliar word, look at the text around
it. You may find clues that reveal the meaning of the unknown word.
Consider the following passage.
Our drama class is working on improvisations. We have to act
out a scene without rehearsing at all, making up the dialogue as
we go. Yesterday, the teacher had James and me improvise a
scene where he was a man looking for his lost wallet and I was
the thief who took it.
What clues can you find in the passage that help you understand the
words improvisations and improvise?
Text support
In addition to the surrounding text, other items on the page may
contain clues to help you decipher an unfamiliar word. Look at
pictures, diagrams, charts, captions, section headings, sidebars, and
other items for additional information about what is being discussed
in the text. You may find clues about the word or words that you dont
understand. Consider the following passage about muscle training.
Athletes, especially those who play ice hockey, soccer,
or football, often suffer from pulled inner thigh muscles.
Strengthening and stretching the adductor muscles can help you
avoid this common sports injury.
You might not know what adductor muscles are, but the illustration
makes it clear. Always look for illustrations, diagrams, and other text
support for additional information.
5/12/09 2:53:01 PM
Word Parts
Sometimes if you take a closer look at an unfamiliar word, you may find
it contains a prefix, suffix, or root that you have seen in other words.
Consider the following sentence:
Ray Bradburys book Dandelion Wine can be called
semiautobiographical, since it was based on many of Bradburys
memories of growing up in Illinois.
A prefix is a letter or
group of letters added to
the beginning of a word to alter
its meaning. A suffix is a letter or
group of letters added to the end
of a word for the same purpose.
A word root is a word part other
than a prefix or a suffix. Refer to
Unit 1 of this resource for more
information on word parts.
Tip
Dictionary
Sometimes, consulting a dictionary is the best way to figure out the
meaning of an unfamiliar word. Even when you use a dictionary,
however, you should consider other methods of attacking the word,
especially if the dictionary entry contains more than one definition.
Consider the following sentence:
The children keened loudly when their parents left them with
the babysitter.
The dictionary offers several possible definitions for the word keen.
They are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
sharp
quick; intellectually alert
showing a quick responsiveness; enthusiastic
a lamentation for the dead
to lament, mourn, or complain.
Tip
Because there are several possibilities, you must decide which best fits
in this particular context. Context can help you determine that the last
definition is the one that works best here.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Read the following passage. Use the context clues to guess the meaning
of the underlined word. Write the word in your notebook.
I wanted to be a junior lifeguard last summer, but I found out
that the prerequisite was a Red Cross training course.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 29
LEvEL I, unIt 3
29
5/12/09 2:53:01 PM
Tip
ExErCIsE B
2. advisor
3. cosponsor
4. immobile
5. overqualified
ExErCIsE C
30
LEvEL I, unIt 3
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 30
5/12/09 2:53:01 PM
LEssON 13
Try It Yourself
Read the following passage. As you read, make note of words you know
and words you dont know.
Volcanoes are both impressive and terrifying. These exploding
mountains are natural wonders that draw tourists from around
the world just as they can send people fleeing for their lives with
one ominous rumble.
When a volcano erupts, it sends lava, or molten rock, out
from under the earths crust. The lava, highly charged with steam
and other gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbon
monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, bubbles up and flows over the
rim of the crater. As the steam and gases escape from the lava,
they create many intense explosions. Lava shoots up into the air,
creating a fiery fountain that rains down ash.
A volcano may remain dormant, or inactive, for many years
before exploding. It was one such volcano, Mount Vesuvius
in Italy, that wiped out the ancient city of Pompeii in 79.
The gases, heat, and ash from Vesuvius killed everyone in the
city almost before they realized what was happening. Today,
scientists are often able to predict volcanic explosions before
they occur, and can evacuate people from the area before
disaster strikes.
Tip
Now, fill in the chart that follows with words from the passage you just
read. List at least five words in each column.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 31
LEvEL I, unIt 3
31
5/12/09 2:53:02 PM
Tip
Look over your chart and try to learn the words you dont know. Here
are some tips.
Read the word aloud. Hearing it may help you remember it.
Read the entire paragraph in which the word appears. Reading the
word in context may give you a better understanding of the words
meaning.
Break the word into its parts and examine each part.
Look up the word in a dictionary.
Ask your teacher or a parent what the word means.
Write the word, its definition, and a sentence using the word in your
word study notebook.
32
LEvEL I, unIt 3
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 32
5/12/09 2:53:02 PM
In August of 1914, Ernest Shackleton and 27 men began a great expedition. They
sailed from England to Antarctica, determined to become the first team of explorers
to cross the frigid continent. Five months later and still 100 miles away from land,
their ship became trapped in the ice. The men spent the winter in the icebound ship,
but finally the ship sank and they were compelled to abandon it. The crew prepared
for a perilous journeythey would go by foot over 346 miles of frozen sea to Paulet
Island. They might find help on the island, if they could manage to survive the trek.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 33
LEvEL I, unIt 3
33
5/12/09 2:53:03 PM
LEssON 14
More comprehensive
information on vowel and
consonant sounds can be found in
Lessons 2 and 3 of this resource.
Tip
Tip
34
LEvEL I, unIt 4
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 34
Pronunciation
In the English language, one letter often represents more than one sound.
For example, the letter g can have a hard sound, as in go, or a soft sound,
like a j, as in gym. The vowels a, e, i, o, and u each represent at least two
different sounds. Therefore, to show how a word is pronounced, we must
use phonetic (f9 ne> tik) symbolssymbols that represent specific sounds.
What symbols are used in your dictionary? Look through a dictionary to
find its pronunciation key or guide. It may be found in the front pages of the
dictionary, or it may also be printed on the front or back covers.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Look up the following words in your dictionary and copy the phonetic
spelling, or pronunciation, for each word into your notebook. There
may be more than one way to pronounce some words. Include all
phonetic spellings you find.
1.
2.
3.
4.
cough
desert
roof
once
5.
6.
7.
8.
surreal
quantity
psychic
melodic
9. dissolve
10. fluorescent
5/12/09 2:53:03 PM
Parts of speech
A dictionary will also indicate the part of speech category under which a
word falls. This information usually appears as an abbreviation after the
pronunciation of the word. Look over the following list to familiarize
yourself with these abbreviations.
Abbreviation
adj.
Part of Speech
adjective
adv.
adverb
n.
noun
v. / vb.
verb
Definition
a word that
modifies a noun by
describing a quality
a word used to
modify a verb or
adjective
person, place, or
thing
action word
Examples
red, tame, kindlier,
enormous
farther, earliest,
quickest, sadly
teacher, schoolyard,
book, chalk
adore, assert, jump,
think
Tip
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Look up the following words in your dictionary and identify the part
of speech group to which each word belongs. Then use each word in a
sentence. Write your answers in your notebook.
1. inquire
2. etiquette
3. posthumously
4. relic
5. prospective
Word Origins
Knowing where a word comes from can help you identify similar words
with which you are not familiar. A dictionary will usually include
information about a words origins directly after the main entry; it is
often found enclosed in brackets ([]). The information may contain
abbreviations, so you should reference the dictionarys abbreviation
guide if you do not understand something.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE C
Note the example below and then look up the origins of the words that
follow. Write your answers in your notebook.
example
1. ail
2. intrigue
3. meander
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 35
LEvEL I, unIt 4
35
5/12/09 2:53:04 PM
LEssON 15
If you look up the word margin in the dictionary, you may find as
many as five different definitions. Margin can mean the part of a page
outside the main body of printed or written matter; the outside limit
or edge of something; an extra amount allowed or given for use if
needed; the difference between sales and cost of merchandise, from
which profits are derived; or a measure or degree of difference.
Which definition fits best?
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
The dictionary entry below shows nine different definitions for the
word pack. Four of these definitions are divided into two separate
senses, making thirteen meanings in total. Read the entry, and then
choose the correct definition for pack as it is used in each of the
sentences that follow. Write the definition in your notebook.
pack \pak>\ n. [MLG or MD pak] 1 a : a bundle arranged for
convenience in carrying esp. on the back b : a group of items
packaged as a unit (a pack of chewing gum) 2 : a large amount or
number : heap 3 : an act or instance or method of packing; also :
arrangement in a pack 4 a : a group of often predatory animals of
the same kind b : a large group of people massed together 5 a : a
group of people with a common interest : clique b : an organized
troop 6 : a tightly packed mass of material; esp. : a mass of ice
chunks floating on the sea 7 : absorbent material used to treat a
wound or to stop bleeding 8 a : a cosmetic paste for the face b : an
application or treatment of oils or creams for conditioning the scalp
and hair 9 : material used in packing
1. Anxious to see which baseball cards he had gotten this time, James
opened the pack as soon as he left the store.
36
LEvEL I, unIt 4
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 36
5/12/09 2:53:04 PM
2. On board the bus was a pack of Cub Scouts headed for a camping
trip.
3. The runner pushed with everything she had, straining to reach the
head of the pack.
4. The Arctic explorers had problems when their boat got wedged in
a pack of ice.
5. In Jack Londons book Call of the Wild, a brave dog joins a pack of
wolves.
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 37
LEvEL I, unIt 4
37
5/12/09 2:53:04 PM
LEssON 16
Using a Thesaurus
synonyms and Antonyms
Tip
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
For each of the following words, list one synonym and one antonym.
1. clarify
2. thoughtful
3. enrage
4. inspire
5. flimsy
6. dull
7. deceitful
8. quarrelsome
9. flexible
10. proud
38
LEvEL I, unIt 4
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 38
5/12/09 2:53:05 PM
ExErCIsE B
For each of the following questions, identify the letter of the word that
is most similar in meaning to the first word.
_____ 1. reliable
A. dependable
B. doubtful
C. confident
_____ 4. boring
A. tiresome
B. interesting
C. wordy
_____ 2. accurate
A. careless
B. precise
C. generous
_____ 5. peculiar
A. strange
B. normal
C. humorous
_____ 3. proper
A. improper
B. punctual
C. appropriate
For each of the following questions, identify the letter of the word that
is most opposite in meaning to the first word.
_____ 1. argument
A. disagreeable
B. agreement
C. discussion
_____ 4. disgust
A. sicken
B. delight
C. repulse
_____ 2. entertain
A. invite
B. perform
C. ignore
_____ 5. hollow
A. empty
B. bright
C. solid
_____ 3. neglect
A. disregard
B. dismiss
C. appreciate
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 39
LEvEL I, unIt 4
39
5/12/09 2:53:05 PM
40
LEvEL I, unIt 4
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 40
5/12/09 2:53:06 PM
Antonyms
Choose the word that is most opposite in meaning to the underlined word.
_____ 1. My aunt and my dad quibbled
about who would pay the bill at the
restaurant.
A. bickered
B. agreed
C. objected
D. chatted
_____ 2. Mirrored walls and velvet curtains set
off the ornate ballroom, and a crystal
chandelier hung from the ceiling.
A. fancy
B. outdated
C. excessive
D. simple
_____ 3. As her turn to appear on stage
approached, Maggie began to feel
anxious.
A. at ease
B. nervous
C. eager
D. sad
_____ 4. Marty is so vain that he goes to the
bathroom between every class to
check his hair in the mirror.
A. goofy
B. careful
C. egoistic
D. modest
_____ 5. Mr. and Mrs. Hall worked very hard
and grew their small antique shop
into a prosperous business.
A. failing
B. thriving
C. huge
D. stable
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 41
LEvEL I, unIt 4
41
5/12/09 2:53:06 PM
LEssON 17
Tip
Evaluate
Try It Yourself
Try using PAVE for the underlined words in the passages below.
1. Im sorry, sir, said the voice at the other end of the line, but Im
not allowed to disclose that informationits private.
Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
42
LEvEL I, unIt 5
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 42
5/12/09 2:53:07 PM
2. The little boy was about to run out onto the busy street when he
was intercepted by his father.
Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
3. The somber mood was broken when someone let out a giggle.
Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
4. My older brother is always talking down to me, treating me as
though I were a little kid even though Im only two years younger.
His patronizing attitude really makes me angry.
Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
5. In the morning the heat was tolerable, but by the middle of the day,
it became too much to take.
Predict
Associate
Verify
Evaluate
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 43
LEvEL I, unIt 5
43
5/12/09 2:53:07 PM
LEssON 18
When you come across an unfamiliar word in your reading, you dont
always need to look it up in the dictionary. Often, you can figure out the
meaning through context clues. Context clues are clues found in the
context, or the surrounding sentences and words.
As you have already learned, authors may use restatement,
give examples, or show cause and effect to hint at the meanings of
vocabulary words. In addition to these techniques, authors may show
comparison or contrast. By comparing or contrasting the unfamiliar
word to one that is alike or different, an author makes the meaning
clear without coming right out and giving the definition. Some phrases
that signal comparison clues are and, like, as, just as, similar to, other,
while, and in the same way.
comparison clue
My uncle is as brawny as a professional wrestler.
Some words that signal contrast clues are but, unlike, nevertheless, on
the other hand, however, although, though, while, and in spite of.
Tip
contrast clue
The new receptionist is always very cordial with everyone who
comes in the building, unlike the one we had before, who hardly
even said hello.
Comparison clues may use synonyms, or words that mean the same
thing. Contrast clues may use antonyms, or words with the opposite
meaning.
Freya is a competent writer, just as she is a capable scientist.
A good coach should praise the players rather than disparage them.
Capable is a synonym for competentthe two words have the same
meaning. Praise is an antonym for disparage.
Try It Yourself
Read the sentences below, using context clues to figure out the meaning
of each underlined word. Tell whether the sentence uses comparison or
contrast.
1. I tried to keep a steady hand, but I tipped the glass and spilled my
juice all over the white carpet.
44
LEvEL I, unIt 5
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 44
5/12/09 2:53:07 PM
5. The third little pigs house was sturdy and strong; however, the
other two pigs houses had been flimsy.
6.
9. Unlike his sister, who never let anything surprise her, Josh was
stunned by the news that their parents were getting a divorce.
10. The Spanish, French, British, and Dutch colonized much of the
land in the Americas. In the same way, the European nations took
control of the continent of Africa and attempted to rule the peoples
that lived there.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 45
LEvEL I, unIt 5
45
5/12/09 2:53:08 PM
LEssON 19
Now you can make a guess: I think theyre talking about a layer of
clouds. In this case, the general context and a few specific details
(broke into the clear and sea of clouds) served as clues as to the
meaning of the word.
Here are some types of context clues you might look for:
restatement If you dont understand a word, read on for the next
few sentences. Chances are, the author will restate his or her idea using
different words. Some words that signal restatement are that is, in other
words, and or.
Jesse felt that he had been coerced by the gang leaders into
breaking the law. In other words, he felt they had forced him
into it.
Yowon broke his femur, or thighbone, in a car accident.
You can assume that hiking all day would cause the scouts to be tired.
Fatigued must mean tired.
46
LEvEL I, unIt 5
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 46
5/12/09 2:53:08 PM
Try It Yourself
Read the sentences below, using context clues to figure out the meaning
of each underlined word. Identify the context clues and tell how they
helped you figure out the meaning of the word. Write your responses in
your notebook.
Tip
1. practor
2. tanslite
4. catalplug
example
3. scrantub
5. fainture
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 47
LEvEL I, unIt 5
47
5/12/09 2:53:08 PM
LEssON 20
A words dictionary
definition is its
denotation. A words
connotation is all the
associations it has in addition
to its literal meaning.
Tip
Try It Yourself
The words in each word pair below are synonyms or near synonyms.
They have the same denotation but different connotations. Use each
word in a different sentence so that the sentences show the connotation
of each word.
example
lean / scrawny
The runners on the Bellville track team were lean, strong, and ready
to win.
The scrawny old woman slowly stood to shake her fist at Sam as he
pedaled his bike across the corner of her lawn.
1. irregular / unique
48
LEvEL I, unIt 5
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 48
5/12/09 2:53:09 PM
2. sympathize / pity
Tip
3. shun / avoid
4. traditional / old-fashioned
5. foe / enemy
6. pretty / cute
7. fib / lie
8. save / hoard
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 49
LEvEL I, unIt 5
49
5/12/09 2:53:09 PM
LEssON 21
Morpheme Combining
Some sniglets have been created by combining morphemes from other
words. For example, musquirt (water that comes out of the initial
squirts of a squeezable mustard bottle) is a combination of mustard and
squirt. Slurch (the noise one makes when eyeing someone elses bad
sunburn) is the combination of ouch and a slurping noise.
50
LEvEL I, unIt 5
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 50
5/12/09 2:53:10 PM
Try It Yourself
A morpheme is a word
part that has meaning.
Prefixes, word roots, and suffixes
are morphemes.
Tip
ExErCIsE A
Look at the list of sniglets on the previous page. Which were created by
combining morphemes of other words? Write them in your notebook,
followed by the morphemes or words they include.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Look again at the list of sniglets on the previous page. Which of these
sound like or vividly describe what they name? Write your response in
your notebook.
Sniglets are fun to create, and they can liven up a piece of writing,
too. Consider the following excerpt from Jabberwocky, a poem that
appears in Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll.
Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
In this poem, Carroll uses many made-up words, which he explains
later in the story. The word brillig, he says, means four oclock in the
afternoonthe time when you begin broiling things for dinner. The
word slithy means lithe and slimy. The toves, he says, are something
like badgerstheyre something like lizardsand theyre something
like corkscrews. Later, he explains the other invented words as well.
Many other authors have made use of invented language in their writings. James Joyce used many invented words in his novel Finnegans
Wake. He describes ten enormous claps of thunder in one scene. The
seventh thunderclap sounds out Bothallchoractorschumminaroundgansumuminarumdrumstrumtruminahumptadumpwaultopoofoolooderamaunsturnup!
ExErCIsE C
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 51
4.
5.
Tip
Try It Yourself
LEvEL I, unIt 5
51
5/12/09 2:53:10 PM
52
LEvEL I, unIt 5
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 52
5/12/09 2:53:11 PM
LEssON 22
syllabication
yel / low
VC CV
Study the following chart. V stands for vowel; C stands for consonant.
How to
divide it
Pattern
Examples
Notes
VCCV
VC / CV
V/CCV
VCC/V
hap pen
ba sket
tick et
Divide between consonants, unless the consonants create a digraph (two letters
pronounced as one, such as ch, sh, th, ck). Divide before or after digraphs (wash er).
VCV
V/CV or VC/V
re ject
lev er
Divide before the consonant (V / CV) unless the vowel is accented and short. In that
case, break after the consonant (VC / V). Think That vowel is too short to end a
syllable.
VCCCV
VCCCCV
VC / CCV
VC / CCCV
wran gler Most words with three or four consonants together in the middle are divided after
an swer the first consonant. Do not separate digraphs or blends. (See next page.)
ob struct
VV
V/V
li ar
sci ence
If a word has two vowels together that are sounded separately, divide between the
vowels. Do not split vowel teams that work together to make one vowel sound.
V_silent e
Keep in same
syllable
be rate
When you see a vowel followed by a consonant or consonants and silent e, these
must stay together in one syllable. The silent e causes the vowel to have its long
sound.
Cle
Keep in same
syllable
ti tle
chu ckle
When -le appears at the end of a word, it grabs the consonant or consonant digraph
before it to create a syllable (ble, cle, ckle, dle, tle, etc.).
Ced
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 53
The suffix -ed forms a separate syllable only when it follows d or t. Otherwise, it
sticks to the last syllable of the word.
LEvEL I, unIt 6
53
5/12/09 2:53:11 PM
Rememberthe vowels
are a, e, i, o, u, sometimes
y and sometimes w. Y is a vowel
when it sounds like long i or an e
(sly, pretty); when it sounds like
a short i (as in gym); or when
it combines with another vowel
such as a or e to make a vowel
sound (as in play and obey). W
is a vowel when it combines with
another vowel such as a, e, or o to
make a vowel sound (as in paw,
sew, and now).
Tip
First, look for the vowels. Label each oneexcept for silent e at the end
of a wordwith a V. Then, connect the vowels. Mark each consonant
in between the vowels with a C.
example
ve rt ical
v
v v
ve rt ical
vccvcv
ve r / t i / cal
vc / cv / cv
As you mark syllable and vowel patterns, keep an eye out for vowel and
consonant teams. Digraphs are teams of two consonants or vowels that
work together to form one sound. Diphthongs are teams of two vowels
whose sounds blend together. Digraphs and diphthongs should not
be divided. They must appear in the same syllable because they work
together.
Vowel Teams
digraphs
ai, ay, ea, ee, oa, ow, oo
Consonant Teams
digraphs
ch, sh, th, wh, ph, gh (as in rough)
diphthongs
oi, oy, ou, ow
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
vict im
vccv
vic / t im
vc / cv
1. muddy
2. perfect
3. roughest
4. immense
54
LEvEL I, unIt 6
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 54
5/12/09 2:53:12 PM
5. forbidden
A consonant digraph is a
team of two consonants
that combine to create one
consonant sound. The digraphs
are ch, sh, th, wh, ph (as in
graph), and gh (as in tough).
These consonants must appear
together in a syllabledo not
separate them.
Tip
6. hackney
7. hawthorn
8. instruct
ExErCIsE B
The following words have a VCV pattern. Label the vowels and
consonants, and then listen for the sound of the first vowel. If it is
accented and short, divide the word after the middle consonant. In all
other cases, divide before the middle consonant (V / CV).
1. ruler
touch / ing
not touc / hing
2. climate
3. shiver
4. music
5. proper
You might start by
separating out suffixes and
prefixes, remembering that -ed is
only separated after d or t. Then
separate any syllables with Cle
(consonant + -le). Finally, label
the remaining vowels (except the
silent es) and the consonants in
between and break the word into
syllables.
Tip
ExErCIsE C
Now try dividing the following words into syllables. Mark the vowels,
then the consonants in between, and follow the other guidelines from
the chart before dividing.
1. riot
2. recoil
3. hustle
4. reluctant
5. insecure
6. metaphor
7. anticipate
8. cleverly
9. pacify
10. exasperated
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 55
LEvEL I, unIt 6
55
5/12/09 2:53:12 PM
LEssON 23
spelling by syllables
Understand the Concept
A syllable is a word part that contains a single vowel sound. It is a
chunk of sound. All words contain at least one syllable.
You can break words into syllables and think about each syllable
separately. This can help you to sound out and spell the word.
examples
beautiful
environment
occurrence
beau / ti / ful
en / vi / ron / ment
oc / cur / rence
Dont worry about getting the syllable breaks exactly correct. Some
words can be broken in more than one way (in / cre / di / ble or in /
cred / i / ble). However, there are a few guidelines. First, use the jaw test.
Hold your hand on your chin as you say the word. Each time your jaw
drops down, that should be the end of a syllable.
Secondly, if a word has a double consonant, you should usually
break it between consonants (fol / low). Also break a word between two
consonants that sound separately (nap / kin) or between two vowels
that sound separately (fli / er). Never separate vowel teams such as ea,
ei, oo, ay, and oi, or consonant teams such as ch, sh, th, and wh, because
they work together to make one sound. Many consonant blends (pairs
of consonants that blend together, such as br, cr, dr, nd, nt, pl, sl, sc, st,
and sw) also stay together.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Break the following words into syllables. Draw a slash between each
syllable.
1. authentic
2. profession
3. reinforce
4. liar
5. building
6. battle
7. memorize
8. literature
56
LEvEL I, unIt 6
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 56
5/12/09 2:53:12 PM
Try It Yourself
Tip
ExErCIsE B
Say each of the following misspelled words aloud. Then, spell the word
correctly. Note the correct number of syllables in the word.
1. intresting
Tip
2. labratory
3. libary
4. dialate
5. Febuary
6. jewlery
7. mischievious
8. disasterous
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 57
LEvEL I, unIt 6
57
5/12/09 2:53:12 PM
LEssON 24
Many words in English have the stress on the first syllable. But if a word
has a prefix, the second syllable is usually stressed instead.
examples
pop u lar
un pop u lar
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Tip
sound.
Break each of the following words into syllables. Then place an accent
mark next to the syllable that is stressed.
example
athlete
ath / lete
1. certain
2. eclipse
3. inflexible
in ter ven tion \int @r ven
sh@n\
8. enduring
Tip
4. nuisance
5. effective
6. spitfire
7. theatrics
58
LEvEL I, unIt 6
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 58
cap tain
pro tec tion
e lim i nate
5/12/09 2:53:13 PM
If a stressed syllable ends in a single vowel, the vowel says its long sound
(its name).
examples
na ture
hu man
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
Break each of the following words into syllables and place an accent
mark next to the syllable that is stressed. Next, say each word to yourself
and circle any syllables in which you hear the schwa sound.
tepid
tep / id
1. perfection
2. fictitious
3. billiards
4. astonish
5. culprit
6. festoon
7. indignant
8. migrate
Often, where you put the stress can make the difference between one
word and another with a completely different meaning. Where would
you put the stress on the word entrance when reading the sentences
below?
The entrance is on your left.
Derricks magic tricks will entrance the audience.
How many other words can you think of that are spelled alike, but have
the stress on different syllables? (Hint: Many of them are the noun and
verb forms of the same word, such as torment and torment, insult and
insult.)
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 59
LEvEL I, unIt 6
59
5/12/09 2:53:13 PM
_____ 4. magnanimous
A. VCVCVCV
B. VCCVCVCVV
C. VCVCCCVVC
D. None of the above
_____ 2. barrio
A. VCCVV
B. VCCVC
C. VCVV
D. None of the above
_____ 5. remnant
A. VCCV
B. VCCCV
C. VCCCCV
D. None of the above
_____ 3. fraction
A. VCV
B. VVCVV
C. VCCVVC
D. None of the above
_____ 6. suffusion
A. VCVCV
B. VVCCV
C. VCCCV
D. None of the above
Read the following words. For each question, select the letter that corresponds
to the correct syllable breaks and placement of the accent mark (). Write it on
the blank.
_____ 7. tint
A. tint
B. ti nt
C. t int
D. None of the above
_____ 8. putty
A. putt y
B. pu tty
C. put ty
D. None of the above
_____ 9. distress
A. di stress
B. dis tress
C. dist ress
D. None of the above
60
LEvEL I, unIt 6
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 60
5/12/09 2:53:14 PM
LEssON 25
Homophones
Understand the Concept
Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings
and usually, different spellings. They can cause confusion for spellers.
examples
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Tip
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 61
Tip
fax
Homophone: facts
A fax is a facsimile, or copy, of a document that is sent
through the phone lines. Facts are true statements.
Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling
LEvEL I, unIt 7
61
5/12/09 2:53:15 PM
1. chord
2. your
3. their
4. wail
5. vile
Tip
6. flour
7. groan
8. taut
9. suite
10. heal
62
LEvEL I, unIt 7
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 62
5/12/09 2:53:15 PM
LEssON 26
Homographs
Understand the Concept
Homographs are words that are spelled the same, but have different
meanings and often, different pronunciations. They are listed as
separate entries in the dictionary. Homograph literally means written
the same. It comes from the Greek roots homo, meaning same, and
graph, meaning to write.
examples
Often, homographs are words that are related, but have a different meaning and function. For example, one may be a verb and the other a noun.
examples
1
2
1
2
Tip
Tip
Try It Yourself
Look for the pairs of homographs underlined in the following
sentences. Then, give the pronunciation and meaning of each
homograph.
1. When he is feeling restless, my cat Sid tears through the house at
top speed.
The forced journey of the Cherokee to Oklahoma in 1838 and 1839
was known as the Trail of Tears because it was a time of great
suffering.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 63
LEvEL I, unIt 7
63
5/12/09 2:53:16 PM
5. The skiers feet grew number the longer she stayed out in the cold.
A great number of people came to see the hockey game at the
arena.
When everyone has completed his or her entries, put them in a threering binder to create a class dictionary.
64
LEvEL I, unIt 7
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 64
5/12/09 2:53:16 PM
LEssON 27
advice/advise. Advice is a noun, and advise is a verb. Note that the two
are pronounced differently.
I need some advice.
My counselor advised me to take study hall.
all right/alright. All right is always spelled as two words. The word
alright does not exist.
Its all right with me if you dont want to go.
a lot/alot. A lot is always spelled as two words. The word alot does not
exist!
A lot of people misspell the expression a lot.
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 65
LEvEL I, unIt 7
65
5/12/09 2:53:16 PM
Tip
loose/lose. Loose is the opposite of tight. Do not confuse it with lose, the
verb meaning to misplace.
The dog was loose and we were afraid we might lose her.
than/then. These words can sound exactly alike when spoken, and
differ in spelling by only one letter. However, they can never be
interchanged in writing. Than is a conjunction used when making
comparisons. Then should be used to show a sequence of events or to
refer to a specific time.
Jeff believed that his Chevelle was cooler than his friends Ferrari.
The child built a tower of blocks, then knocked it down and
began to howl.
Try It Yourself
Choose five words from the list above and write a sentence of your own
using each one correctly.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
66
LEvEL I, unIt 7
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 66
5/12/09 2:53:17 PM
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 67
LEvEL I, unIt 7
67
5/12/09 2:53:17 PM
LEssON 28
Word Origins
Understand the Concept
Words in English come from many different sources. Some evolved
from older forms of English. Others have their roots in ancient Greek
and Latin, or were borrowed from French, German, Spanish, and other
languages. Some words came from the names of people, places, and
legends, or refer to ancient practices and beliefs.
If you look up a word in a dictionary, you can usually find a short
description of where it came from and when and how it entered the
English language. Abbreviations may be used to save space.
example
You can learn even more about the histories of words by looking in a
dictionary of word origins. Some words have quite interesting histories.
Below are a few examples.
The study of word origins
is called etymology. Most
dictionaries provide information
about the origins of words.
However, for more detailed
explanations, consult a dictionary
of word origins, or etymological
dictionary. Your librarian may be
able to recommend a good one.
Tip
ballot
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
LEvEL I, unIt 8
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 68
4. magic
5. gymnasium
5/12/09 2:53:18 PM
New words are entering the English language every day. They may
come from the following sources:
Sources
names of people and places
Examples
hamburger, from the city of Hamburg,
Germany
acronyms
brand names
other languages
Try It Yourself
Read the following words, then look each one up in a good dictionary.
Write the definition of the word in your notebook; then tell where it
came from.
scrooge
memo
thermos
sonar
boycott
Tip
Tip
ExErCIsE B
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Tip
robot
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 69
LEvEL I, unIt 8
69
5/12/09 2:53:18 PM
LEssON 29
If you walk down the block and turn the corner, do you think youll
find summer? Of course not! The saying really means that summer will
be here soon.
Studying idioms (what they mean and their origins) is fascinating
and fun. As you learn more about idioms, you may want to keep a
section in your Word Study Notebook to record interesting idiomatic
phrases.
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Match each idiomatic expression with its meaning. Write the number
of the idiom in front of the correct definition.
Idiom Meaning
1. top dog
____ hurry up
2. gift of gab
3. chill out
4. rings a bell
5. shake a leg
____ relax
6. dime a dozen
7. small potatoes
9. easy as pie
____ agree
70
LEvEL I, unIt 8
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 70
5/12/09 2:53:19 PM
Do you know any other idioms? Write five, with their definitions, here:
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Clichs
Clichs are phrases that are overused and thus boring to hear or read.
Although the use of clichs is common, try to avoid them in your own
writing.
example
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE B
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 71
LEvEL I, unIt 8
71
5/12/09 2:53:19 PM
LEssON 30
Meaning
day of the sun
Monday
Tuesday
Tius day. Tiu was a Germanic god of the sky and of war (Ares or
Mars, according to the Greeks and Romans respectively)
Wednesday
Wodens day; Woden is the chief god (the Greeks and Romans
called this the day of Hermes, or Mercury)
Thursday
Thors day; Thor is the god of thunder (to the Greeks and Romans,
it was Zeus, or Jupiter)
Friday
Freyas day; Freya is the goddess of love and beauty (the Greeks
and Romans called it Aphrodites day or Venuss day)
Saturday
Saturns day; the day of Saturn, Roman god of agriculture (to the
Greeks, this was originally Cronuss day)
Try It Yourself
ExErCIsE A
Look up each of the months of the year to find out where their names
came from.
1. January
72
LEvEL I, unIt 8
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 72
5/12/09 2:53:20 PM
2. February
3. March
4. April
5. May
6. June
7. July
8. August
9. September
10. October
11. November
12. December
ExErCIsE B
Do some research to find the answers to these questions about timerelated words and phrases. Write your answers in your notebook.
1. What is the Ides of March?
2. Where does the term Fat Tuesday come from?
3. Which American holiday is always celebrated on a Thursday?
4. Where did the term Halloween originate?
5. Where did the term Easter come from?
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 73
LEvEL I, unIt 8
73
5/12/09 2:53:20 PM
LEssON 31
A dialect is a version of
a language spoken by the
people of a particular time, place,
or social group. People speaking
different dialects of the same
language may use different words
for the same thing. They may spell
and pronounce words differently
as well.
Tip
Tip
74
LEvEL I, unIt 8
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 74
American Terms
dessert
German shepherd
police officer
hood of a car
trunk of a car
motor home
french fries
oven
childs pacifier
garbage can
apartment
grade level in school
bangs
dress
yard
vacation
elevator
bathroom
truck
raincoat
diaper
underwear
sidewalk
gas
steal
baby carriage
line of people
backpack
5/12/09 2:53:20 PM
tap
torch
trousers
wally
wellingtons
faucet
flashlight
pants
nerd
rubber boots
Below are some words that are spelled differently in British English and
American English.
British Spelling
aeroplane
cheque
colour
draught
jewellery
lasagne
neighbour
omelette
pyjamas
speciality
theatre
tyre
American Spelling
airplane
check (form of payment)
color
draft
jewelry
lasagna
neighbor
omelet
pajamas
specialty
theater
tire
Tip
Try It Yourself
Translate the following sentences into American English! That is,
rewrite them in your notebook using standard American spelling and
usage.
1. The queue at the theatre wound down the pavement all the way to
the corner.
2. The cook finished making an order of chips and began preparing
an omelette, her speciality.
3. The Fox family took the caravan on holiday to Rivermouth.
4. A friendly bobby helped Father to change the tyre of the lorry.
5. Sally put on her mackintosh and wellingtons and went out into the
rain.
6. My neighbour Bobby Grey is in the third form, and his brother is
in the fourth.
7. Before leaving the flat with little Bonnie, Mrs Green made sure to
put a dummy and an extra nappy in the pram.
8. The day before the big dance, Jane rushed out to find a piece of
jewellry that would match her rose-coloured party frock.
9. Peter took the Alsatian into the garden to play fetch.
10. Awakened by a loud noise, Grig pulled on some trousers over
his pyjamas, grabbed a torch, and went outside to see what had
happened.
Tip
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 75
LEvEL I, unIt 8
75
5/12/09 2:53:21 PM
LEssON 32
Try It Yourself
Look over the words shown below. Each word is followed by a definition
and a sentence showing how it can be used. Select from each list at least
two words that you would like to use in your own writing and speaking.
Log those words into your word study notebook and use each of them in
a new sentence.
Things (Nouns)
brunt (brunt) n., main force, shock, or stress (as of an attack); greater
part of a burden.
The part of town on the west side of the river took the brunt of
the storm that went through last night.
76
LEvEL I, unIt 8
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 76
5/12/09 2:53:21 PM
limbo (lim> b9) n., place or state of having been forgotten, neglected, or
ignored.
The proposal remained in limbo since the president had not
gotten around to considering it yet.
Tip
tempo (tem> p9) n., rate of motion, pace; rate of speed (as of a musical
piece).
The basketball game kept going at an even tempo until the last
ten minutes, when the players really picked up the pace.
elude (7 l2d>) v., avoid; slip away and take refuge from.
The thief eluded the police and escaped from the neighborhood
unseen.
impede (im p7d>) v., interfere with or slow the progress of.
The heat, humidity, and mosquitoes impeded our progress as
we hiked.
Tip
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 77
LEvEL I, unIt 8
77
5/12/09 2:53:21 PM
78
LEvEL I, unIt 8
0001-0078_Gr_06_vocab&spelling-L1-32.indd 78
5/12/09 2:53:22 PM
Answer Key
Lesson 1: Word Study Notebook,
page 1
Try It Yourself
E x ercise B
Long //
[state, bay]
aid
crane
display
flame
hail
lame
make
neighbor
rein
veil
Other
[star, bear, awful]
art
care
guitar
lair
straw
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 79
1. Soft c
[cell, city]
citrus
nice
receive
recent
ard c
H
[cake, actor]
candid
curtain
factory
popcorn
Other
march
ocean
2. sh ashamed
dish
shell
ci commercial
special
ti initial
nation
patient
ss mission
tissue
s sugar
unsure
Try It Yourself
Short /a/
[cat, mat]
babble
grasp
jab
rant
task
E x ercise C
Try It Yourself
E x ercise A
E x ercise B
Short Vowel
at/tic
bet/ter
dic/tate
fog/gy
gym/nast
sun/ny
Long Vowel
a/corn
cry/ing
i/dol
me/ter
o/pen
ru/mor
Level I
79
5/12/09 2:55:07 PM
Lesson 4: MorphemesChunks of
Meaning, page 8
Try It Yourself
E x ercise A
1. subdermal
prefix: sub-, meaning under
word root: derm, meaning skin
suffix: -al, meaning having characteristics of
predicted meaning: describes something that
is characteristically under the skin
2. semisweet
prefix: semi-, meaning half; partly
base word: sweet, meaning a flavor not
bitter, salty, or sour
predicted meaning: partly sweet, partly
bitter, salty, or sour
3. infinity
prefix: in-, meaning not or without
word root: fin, meaning ending
suffix: -ity, meaning state of
predicted meaning: the state of not ending
or being without end
4. ultrasonic
prefix: ultra-, meaning too much, too
many, extreme
word root: son, meaning sound
suffix: -ic, meaning having characteristics of
predicted meaning: describes something that
80
Level I
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 80
5/12/09 2:55:07 PM
Prefixes
Suffixes
Word Roots
mis-, over-,
-est, -ate, -ion, crazy, take,
under-, trans-, -ify, -ed,
load, estimate,
de-, re-,
script, fer,
want, flect,
ver, look
E x ercise B
E x ercise B
Try It Yourself
1. B. competition
2. C. remote
3. B. hyperactive
4. A. familiar
5. D. impossible
6. B. anthropology
7. D. character
8. C. importance
9. A. democratic
10. C. surgeon
11. A. rumor
12. B. woeful
E x ercise B
1. aliens
2. verandas
3. countries
4. probabilities
5. dictionaries
6. banjos, banjoes
7. clutch, clutches
8. boxes
9. quarrels
10. turkeys
11. barometers
12. taxes
13. businesses
14. responsibilities
15. envelopes
EMC Publishing, LLC
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 81
E x ercise A
1. fetch
2. couch
3. attach
4. mismatch
5. which
6. article
7. proposal
8. ladle
9. accidental
10. nickel
E x ercise B
1. movable
Exceeding the Standards: Vocabulary & Spelling
Level I
81
5/12/09 2:55:07 PM
2. flexible
3. respectable
4. curable
5. audible
E x ercise C
E x ercise A
Try It Yourself
E x ercise B
1. B. radios
2. A. messes
3. D. days
4. D. roofs
5. B. zoos
6. A. misspelled
82
Level I
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 82
7. C. noisily
8. C. courageous
9. D. famous
10. D. completely
11. B. beautiful
12. B. stretches
13. A. label
14. B. incredible
15. A. succeed
16. B. preceded
E x ercise A
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM
1. A. standing out
2. C. scented
3. B. medicine or cure
4. D. to lessen or relieve
5. B. journey
6. C. frozen
7. D. trapped in the ice
8. A. forced to do something
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 83
1. A. dependable
2. B. precise
3. C. appropriate
4. A. tiresome
5. A. strange
Level I
83
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM
E x ercise C
1. B. agreement
2. C. ignore
3. C. appreciate
4. B. delight
5. C. solid
Try It Yourself
1. B. overjoyed
2. A. excessive
3. D. crabby
4. C. exactly
5. D. hurry
6. C. forbidden
7. A. forced
8. A. skimpy
9. C. overly busy
10. A. plodded
Antonyms
1. B. agreed
2. D. simple
3. A. at ease
4. D. modest
5. A. failing
6. C. clear
7. B. friendly
8. C. flexible
9. A. ordinary
10. B. strict
84
Level I
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 84
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM
7. Icy roads would probably interfere with driving, or make drivers delayed. Hindered must
mean something like delayed or held back.
8. The author uses restatement to show that a
laceration is a deep cut.
9. The examples show that livestock refers to
domesticated animals such as sheep, cattle,
and hogs that are kept on a farm.
10. Not being able to find their dog, the
family would likely be upset and troubled.
Distraught must mean upset.
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 85
E x ercise B
flepster
funch, blivett
slurm
E x ercise C
1. ru / ler (V / CV)
2. cli / mate (V / CV)
3. shiv / er (VC / V)
4. mu / sic (V / CV)
5. prop / er (VC / V)
E x ercise C
Try It Yourself
E x ercise A
Level I
85
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM
E x ercise B
1. interesting (4 syllables)
2. laboratory (5 syllables)
3. library (3 syllables)
4. dilate (2 syllables)
5. February (4 syllables)
6. jewelry (syllables were out of order)
7. mischievous (3 syllables)
8. disastrous (3 syllables)
Level I
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 86
E x ercise B
E x ercise A
6. spitfire
7. theatrics
8. enduring
1. C. VCCV
2. A. VCCVV
3. C. VCCVVC
4. B. VCCVCVCVV
5. A. VCCV
6. D. None of the above
7. A. tint
8. C. put ty
9. B. dis tress
10. A. del i cate
11. D. None of the above
12. A. veer ing
1. foul
2. dyed
3. carat
4. scene
5. real
6. role
7. sheer
8. coarse
E x ercise B
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 87
E x ercise B
Level I
87
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM
Level I
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 88
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM
1. C. Sven is clumsy.
2. B. I could no longer attend the concert.
3. A. The audience loved the band!
4. D. None of the above
5. C. Ive been very busy.
6. C. Sasha and Toby are revealing a secret.
1. B. elevator
2. A. connection
3. B. labor organization
4. B. bangs
5. A. lasagna
6. B. cookies
0079-0089_Gr06_vocab&spelling-AK.indd 89
Level I
89
5/12/09 2:55:08 PM