How Many Errors Can You Find in This 7th Grade Vocabulary List?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a vocabulary list provided to a 7th grader from the book 'The Cat Ate My Gymsuit' by Paul Danziger, which contains multiple errors in definitions. Participants identified at least seven inaccuracies, including incorrect parts of speech and vague definitions. The consensus is that students should learn to use dictionaries rather than rely on potentially flawed teacher-provided definitions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accurate vocabulary instruction and the role of parents in addressing educational shortcomings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic vocabulary and definitions
  • Familiarity with parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective)
  • Knowledge of educational standards for language arts
  • Awareness of the importance of dictionary skills in language learning
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective vocabulary teaching strategies for middle school students
  • Learn about the role of parents in educational advocacy
  • Explore the importance of dictionary skills in language education
  • Investigate common errors in vocabulary instruction and how to correct them
USEFUL FOR

Parents of middle school students, educators seeking to improve vocabulary instruction, and anyone interested in enhancing language learning methodologies.

  • #31
rewebster said:
To me, it sounds like he/she is pissed off at someone and chose those words for 'some' reason.
They are taken from the book.
 
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  • #32
I used to work for a former teacher (in an unrelated business), and his constant assassination of the English language was like fingernails on a blackboard. He loved using big words, and he did so with gay abandon. One of his favorites was "subsequently". The problem is that he always used it to imply causation, and somehow couldn't manage to utter "consequently". When reports had to be distributed to department heads, he would say that the reports had to be "disbursed" before the meeting. He pronounced "columns" exactly like "volumes" except with a hard "c". When describing a piece of furniture, he always referred to the front as a "frontis" - no knowing why. Another constant howler was his used of "incredulous" when he needed the word "incredible". I used to have to clean up his product descriptions constantly before allowing them into print. One particularly egregious example that my assistant and I busted a gut over was "The frontis elaborated with incredulous columns." (with no verb and his standard mispronunciation of columns). Every time we'd get a tape of "expert" product descriptions from him, we'd look at each other and repeat that line. I pity the kids who had him in HS.
 
  • #33
jimmysnyder said:
interpretation - to make clear or understandable or reveal the the meaning of.
noun - verb (and two the's in a row)
There's at least one more error (a missing comma) in there. This is unacceptable, jimmy. There's no good reason for you to put up with this level of incompetence.

If I was running this school I'd fire this teacher. And then I'd have to fire myself for hiring the teacher in the first place.
 
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  • #34
So far, here is the upshot. The paper that I had red penciled came back to me with corrections on it, done by crossing out words. For example
interpretation - to make clear or understandable or reveal the the meaning of
became
interpretation - clear or understandable meaning
and so on and no other communication. Not all corrections were made, but that is not the issue. The only issue with me is the next vocabulary sheet. I expect the problem to go away.