This study introduces the first Arabic Vocabulary Levels Test (Arabic-VLT), created for foreign learners of Arabic. We present compelling evidence to substantiate its validity and reliability. The Arabic-VLT was developed according to five levels, beginning with the most frequently used words (Level 1) to the least frequently used ones (Level 5),…

An interactive vocabulary learning technique is described that uses a "core meaning" approach to help solve some of the problems learners have with English homonyms. The technique was used successfully with a class of adult learners but can be adapted for younger and less proficient learners. (four references) (LB)

Five activities help students learn a language while fostering cooperation and spirit among the students. They include same or different words, a vocabulary review called "Grab the Tail," a mental activity "triangle," a crossword puzzle-type grid, and chains of words called "From This to That." (LB)

This booklet is the teachers manual for "Spell-Write," a text to aid learners in writing, spelling, and word study, and is intended to function effectively in a variety of classroom spelling and word study programs. The booklet has four main sections. An introduction discusses briefly the alphabetical spelling lists, the background to…

The prevailing assumption underlying practice in the classroom is that children acquire most of their new words from context during silent reading. The trouble with learning from silent reading is that many pupils do not read widely or quickly enough. Reading aloud to children will, however, allow them to participate in activity that they all can…

Vocabulary acquisition is one of the most complex aspects of both theory and practice of foreign language teaching and learning. A content-based approach to curricular development is advocated that incorporates four elements: starter (brainstorming), treatment, "good language learner" awareness training, and critical analysis. (Contains…

Effective group discussion needs to involve as many students in the classroom as possible. This article describes split information tasks, their design, and their usefulness in the classroom, with particular reference to mathematics vocabulary. (Contains seven references.) (LB)

German second language instructional materials contain a short text in German on soccer, a vocabulary list with translation, rules of the game (in English), and a diagram of a soccer field with position names in German and English. (MSE)

Illustrated cards can be used in language classes to prompt students to respond with spontaneity and free expression. A variety of games and cards such as "Concentration" are described, and it is argued that some language goals can be practiced more effectively by card games than by traditional textbook-pencil-teacher approaches. (12…

Suggestions for structuring a classroom spelling program are offered, focusing on three major components: personal spelling lists, word study and vocabulary extension, and studying and mastering the core vocabulary of written English. The 300 most frequent words in New Zealand primary writing and the 100 most often misspelled words are listed.…

The design of vocabulary tests, particularly for English as a Second Language, is discussed. The discussion is intended to help language teachers with little or no knowledge of testing gain a better understanding of vocabulary testing. First, a set of principles for guiding the writing of vocabulary tests are outlined, presented in the form of…

Using the latest newspaper as an authentic text in a language classroom can present the teacher with difficulties in advance preparation and reuse of activities. This article provides suggestions for preparing activities such as group work, information transfer grids, focus on content and language, and relation to other media. (10 references) (LB)

This workbook, written in simple English with pictographs, helps adult learners of English in British Columbia (Canada) deal with biological and medical needs and hospital patient visits. Lessons include parts of the body, nurses' and doctors' examination and instructions, general health problems, hospital items, hospital admissions, and pre- and…

The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) field continues to experience increased valuing of experiential practitioner knowledge. A welcome result of this evolution has been the broadening of research perspectives. The 16 practitioner narratives in "Insights on Teaching Speaking in TESOL" are written by…

The "ask and answer" speaking technique, designed as a follow-up to reading, aims to capitalize on opportunities for incidental vocabulary learning. This article describes the technique and examines the vocabulary use of a group of young English-as-a-Second-Language learners engaged in "ask and answer" tasks. Suggestions for teachers are offered.…