Vocabulary: What is It? Who Needs It?

“Vocabulary knowledge is a primary predictor of reading success. It is associated [or interrelated] with word identification skills at the end of first grade and reading comprehension in eleventh grade” (p. 35).

“Vocabulary knowledge also tends to grow with reading experience. As readers progress, lexical analysis [or morphological awareness: prefixes, roots, suffixes] becomes increasingly important for comprehending complex and unfamiliar words and concepts” (p. 36).

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What is vocabulary?

Vocabulary includes recognizing words used in speech or print materials and knowing their meanings. A strong vocabulary requires both breadth and depth.

Breadth: having knowledge of different kinds of words (quantity). Reading experts have identified three word tiers: Tier One are concrete and of high frequency in spoken language and easier print materials; Tier Two are abstract and of high frequency in print materials at 4th grade and above; and Tier Three are content-specific and of high frequency in textbook materials.
Depth: having deep and flexible knowledge of words (quality). An example of depth is recognizing and knowing reflect, reflects, reflected, reflector, reflection, and reflective as used in different sentences or contexts.

Who Are Vocabulary Students?

Vocabulary students are native or non-native English speakers who need to broaden and deepen their vocabulary knowledge. Intermediate ABE and Advanced ESL students are usually ready for Tier Two (academic word) instruction. Some Intermediate ESL students may also be ready--if they can converse easily in English. Most Beginning ABE and ESL students need to focus on expanding their knowledge and usage of Tier One (common, everyday) words

Watch the video to learn more about vocabulary and adult learners.

Slide Deck: Vocabulary & Adult Learners.pdf

Click "Next" to learn about how vocabulary is connected to the CCRS.