2000). To illustrate, in order to truly know a word, a
learner must be able to (a) define it, (b) decode and spell
it, (c) pronounce it, (d) know its multiple meanings
(including common and specialized meanings), and (e)
be able to ascertain and apply the appropriate meaning
in a particular context (Calderon, 2007; Nagy & Scott,
2000). ESL teachers, then, need to carefully target their
instruction for maximum impact. This article is
designed as a practical resource for teachers of adult
second language learners in that regard. Specifically, the
article provides an overview of a three-tiered vocabulary
framework, followed by specific recommendations for
selecting and teaching vocabulary in the adult second
language classroom.