Test Prep Plan WEEK 8

Week 8: Vocabulary in Context Vocabulary in context is a key reading skill—and mastering it naturally boosts performance on standardized tests.   Research by Karami and Bowles (2019) suggests that a combination of intentional and incidental vocabulary learning is effective in promoting vocabulary retention.   Teaching students explicit strategies, such as using context clues, improves word recognition, comprehension, and long-term retention (Beck, McKeown, & Kucan, 2013). The CLUNK strategy provides structured support for vocabulary acquisition, aligning with evidence-based reading instruction.   🔹 Key Academic Skills to Practice and Review: • Transcription • Syntax • Question Analysis • R.A.C.E. Written Response • Narrative Text Structure • Expository Text Structure • Text Comparison   Weekly Focus • 🔹 Systematic Vocabulary Learning Strategies: CLUNK  The CLUNK strategy, part of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR), helps students figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words while reading. When they come across a "clunk" (a word they don't know), they use one of five strategies to determine its meaning: 1. Look for a definition in the surrounding sentences. 2. Find a synonym that restates the word. 3. Identify an antonym that provides contrast. 4. Break the word into parts (prefix, root, suffix) to analyze meaning. 5. Use inference by considering the overall context of the passage.   This method encourages students to be active, strategic readers who can independently tackle challenging vocabulary. It requires instruction, modeling, and practice but can increase students’ comprehension greatly.