Words in Context: Master SAT & ACT Vocabulary through Literature
Expand your vocabulary for the SAT and ACT through engaging literary passages, interactive exercises, and practical applications using word roots and contextual clues.
Dr. Brooke Nelson
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(14)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Join "Words in Context” to expand your vocabulary, ace standardized tests, and dive deep into fascinating reading passages. Each week we will introduce critical test-prep vocabulary, break down word formation with prefixes and suffixes, and teach you to decode meanings through context clues. Tailored for students aged 13-18, this course doesn't just prepare you for tests; it transforms you into a confident bibliophile ready to wow with your lovely lexicon! What Will Be Taught? Every class is a new journey through the fascinating world of words! We'll delve into the building blocks of English vocabulary, understanding how to dissect words using prefixes, suffixes, and roots. You'll encounter essential words from SAT and ACT lists, learning how to use them skillfully in context. We'll analyze engaging literary passages, enhancing our word mastery through real-world applications. Each class brings a new set of words to explore, from the poetic to the pragmatic, broadening both your test preparation and your love for language. Class Structure: This class is designed to be both educational and engaging. We will meet once a week for 55 minutes with each session dedicated to a specific vocabulary theme. • Classes will include plenty of real text analysis. We'll ensure that vocabulary learning is deeply connected to authentic uses by reading passages and examining excerpts from influential speeches and writings. • Students will actively participate in the learning process. Class time will be devoted to discussions about how words can shape understanding and influence communication, as students apply new vocabulary in various contexts, connecting literary and real-world usage. We are not just memorizing words – we are using them! Teaching Style and Interaction: My teaching approach is interactive and exploratory. I believe in bringing the world of words to life through dynamic discussions, engaging activities, and thoughtful exercises. Students will not only learn vocabulary from definitions but also through: • Interactive Discussions: Where students can share their insights and demonstrate their understanding by encountering and using new words in context. • Games and Quizzes: To solidify learning and add a fun twist to mastering vocabulary. These quizzes will take place entirely on Zoom with no third-party tools required. Students will interact by raising their hands or writing in the chat box. • Video Clips: Regularly used to provide real-world applications and deepen understanding of word usage. The video clips will often be dramatic readings of passages that use the vocabulary so that students can hear how words are pronounced or get a sense of tone. Weekly Topics for the First Month: Week of June 17: Adventure and Exploration Embark on a thrilling journey through perilous terrains and uncharted territories, learning words like 'intrepid' and 'ascend' through an excerpt from Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’. • Vocabulary Terms: intrepid, venture, traverse, perilous, fortitude, uncharted, expedition, terrain, ascend, navigate • Reading Passage: Excerpt from “Around the World in Eighty Days” by Jules Verne. Week of June 24: Science and Innovation Dive into the world of scientific breakthroughs and inventions, exploring terms such as 'empirical' and 'synthesis' with a passage from Darwin’s ‘The Origin of Species’. • Vocabulary Terms: hypothesis, anomaly, empirical, innovation, quantum, prototype, synthesis, variable, catalyst, spectrum • Reading Passage: Excerpt from “The Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin. Week of July 1: Mystery and Suspense Unravel the secrets of the unknown, deciphering words like 'clandestine' and 'enigma' through a suspenseful excerpt from Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’. • Vocabulary Terms: clandestine, enigma, foreboding, cryptic, incognito, covert, intrigue, surveillance, stealth, decipher • Reading Passage: Excerpt from “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle. Week of July 8: Fantasy and Mythology Enter a realm of magic and mystery, mastering enchanting vocabulary such as 'arcane' and 'ethereal' with a reading from Washington Irving’s ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’. • Vocabulary Terms: mythical, arcane, celestial, chimerical, ethereal, necromancy, sovereign, talisman, abyss, enchanted • Reading Passage: Excerpt from “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. We will tackle every piece of literature together, making every piece approachable and enjoyable. If students have read and enjoyed classics by authors like Jane Austen or Mark Twain, they will likely find these discussions even more enriching. However, familiarity with these works is not necessary; students just need to bring an enthusiasm for diving into great books and expanding their vocabulary with plenty of support along the way. Let’s unlock the secrets of these literary gems together!
Learning Goals
In this course, our focus is on building a robust vocabulary that not only helps you excel in standardized tests like the SAT and ACT but also enhances your overall language skills and appreciation for literature. Here are the specific learning goals we aim to achieve:
1) Vocabulary Expansion: Learn and internalize 5-10 new vocabulary words each session, drawing from a curated list that includes high-frequency SAT and ACT words as well as sophisticated terms found in classic and modern literature.
2) Understanding Word Origins: Gain a deeper understanding of how words are formed by studying their roots, prefixes, and suffixes. This knowledge will empower you to deduce the meanings of new words independently.
3) Contextual Usage: Develop the skill to use vocabulary correctly and effectively in various contexts. Through our reading and discussion of literary passages, you will learn how to infer the meaning of words based on the context in which they appear.
4) Literary Analysis: Enhance your ability to analyze and discuss literature by focusing on how vocabulary shapes meaning in texts. This will deepen your comprehension and appreciation of the works we read, broadening your cultural and historical knowledge.
5) Preparation for Standardized Tests: Through repetitive exposure and practice with test-level vocabulary, prepare effectively for the vocabulary components of the SAT and ACT, improving your potential scores.
These goals are designed to make you a more articulate and perceptive reader, a more confident test-taker, and ultimately, a more effective communicator.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class uses literature to explore vocabulary, focusing on words commonly found in standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, as well as those that enhance literary comprehension. Each session explores words through engaging reading passages, interactive exercises, and discussions on word origins and usage.
While the content is primarily academic and designed to boost vocabulary skills, some reading passages may contain complex themes or historical contexts as they are drawn from a wide range of literature, including classic novels and influential writings. All content, however, is chosen for its educational value and is presented in a way that is appropriate for the target age group.
No official ratings are associated with the media used, as the materials are primarily educational texts. I ensure all content, including any literary excerpts, is reviewed to be suitable for young learners, focusing on enriching their vocabulary and understanding of language.
Parents are encouraged to review the vocabulary and reading passages discussed each week. Engaging in discussions at home about the new words and their contexts can further support their child’s learning and appreciation of language. This also provides an opportunity to discuss any mature themes in a supportive environment, enhancing the educational experience.
Pre-Requisites
Some of the words or references may seem daunting if students have don’t have a lot of experience with “classic” literature before — but previous experience with these kinds of books is not a requirement!
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2021
5.0
14reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Religious Studies from Claremont Graduate University
Master's Degree in History from University of California, Irvine
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of California, Riverside
Over the past fourteen years as an educator, I have specialized in teaching subjects that are heavy on vocabulary skills: English and History. One of my areas of focus has always been increasing English vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension across various educational levels, particularly aiming to enhance students' test-taking skills and overall language proficiency.
My teaching approach is rooted in a combination of rigorous academic research and engaging, interactive learning experiences. I have designed and led numerous courses aimed at expanding students' vocabularies, understanding of word origins, and abilities to deduce meanings from context, crucial for excelling in standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
In addition to my formal education, I continually update my teaching practices to incorporate the latest educational technologies and methodologies, ensuring that each class is both dynamic and effective. My personal enthusiasm for reading and language arts enriches the classroom experience, providing students with a passionate and knowledgeable guide as they explore the depths of the English language.
This blend of professional expertise, ongoing professional development, and a personal love for literature creates a comprehensive and stimulating learning environment for all students in "Words in Context”.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
