When reading any textbook, knowing the key vocabulary related to it is essential. Firstly, it improves your reading comprehension, the speed at which you read it and it also allows you to be accurate when using the same concept.
Each subject has its own vocabulary field, referring to precise and specific concepts connected to the topic developed. Although there are some words repeated through the curricula, they do not necessarily have the same meaning in all fields.
There are different skills that help you understand vocabulary fields more effectively.
1. Look the words up in a dictionary. There are two essential skills when using a dictionary to understand key words: selecting a good dictionary and making good use of your dictionary-use skills.
When choosing a good dictionary take into consideration your skills and language proficiency. A dictionary that is too complex or too specific might require you to look for several words to understand a concept. If the dictionary is too simple, you may not find the definition of the word you are looking up, or it might be incomplete or not precise.
2. Understand what kind of word it is. Identifying the word as a noun, adjective or verb is essential as it will allow you to use if more efficiently. You will find this information in your dictionary. Is it a countable or uncountable noun? Is it a gradable adjective? Does this verb have a regular or irregular form? Use your skills to select the correct definition for the word you are looking up. Take into consideration the type of word (i.e. noun, adjective, etc.) and the meaning that best matches the context where you find it.
In this lesson you will review the dictionary and language skills that will help you understand definitions and usage of specific vocabulary.
Example question
Which of the following definitions will help you more understand the concept of an electromagnet in a physics lesson?
Hint – think not only of how simple the definition is, but also how much it contributes to developing the concept for the subject.
A – Any piece of iron that becomes magnetic because of an electrical current going through or near it.
B – Something that is electromagnetic
C – A core of iron or steel, covered by wire which is magnetized by an electric current that goes through it. The core is only magnetized when in contact with the electric current making it a useful component for devices using magnetic fields that need to be turned on and off.
D – A piece of metal that becomes magnetic with an electrical current
E – It consists of a core of a magnet material, surrounded by a coil that receives an electric current to magnetize the core. Once the said current is stopped, the core is not magnetized any more. These devices are useful in devices which require controllable magnets related to magnetic fields which need to be turned on and off. You can also see electromagnets in devices such as particle accelerators.
Explanation – C is the best option as it comprises the basic information needed to understand the concept, it is not too concise, the main elements of the key concept are present and the language is accessible.