Vocabulary Mastery Worksheet (2025–2026 Term 2)

`Vocabulary Mastery Worksheet (2025–2026 Term 2) Section 1: Matching Activity Match each vocabulary word to its correct definition. Write the definition next to each word. A. Subject-related Words 1. Metaphor: comparing two things without using like and as 2. Imagery: words that create pictures in the mind 3. Paradox: a statement that seems false but is true 4. Rhyme: words with similar sounds at the end 5. Isolation: being alone 6. Mortality: limited life span/ living things die in the end 7. Nature: the natural world like plants, animals, land 8. Spirituality: belief in something greater than the physical world 9. Introspection: looking at one’s own thoughts and feelings 10. Symbolism: using objects to show ideas B. Academic Words 1. Analogy: a comparison to explain something 2. Denote: to mean exactly 3. Quote: repeat someone’s wordings 4. Topics: subjects being discussed 5. Unique: one of a kind C. Mid-frequency Words 1. Elucidate: explain clearly 2. Examine: look at closely 3. Contemplate: thinking deeply 4. Differentiate: show how things are different 5. Highlight: point out something 6. Articulate: express clearly 7. Investigate: try to find information 8. Imply: express without saying directly 9. Demonstrate: to show 10. Uncover: discover something hidden Section 2: Creative Application Task Choose any 5 vocabulary words (at least one from each category) and write a 6–8 sentence descriptive paragraph about a moment of self-reflection in nature. Your paragraph must include:​ - At least one metaphor​ - At least one example of imagery​ - A paradox or symbolic element​ - A clear emotional or philosophical insight I was standing outside near some trees, just listening to the wind move through the leaves. The air was cool, and the ground smelled damp, which made everything feel quiet and real. Nature felt like a mirror for my thoughts, messy but honest. As I contemplated my life, I noticed a strange paradox: being alone helped me understand myself better. The trees became a symbol of growth, standing strong even through rough weather. In that moment of introspection, I uncovered that it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. Section 3: Analytical Challenge Work in pairs to analyze a short poem or excerpt provided by your teacher. Complete the following tasks:​ 1. Identify at least four vocabulary terms used or represented in the text.​ 2. Explain how each term contributes to the meaning of the text.​ 3. Differentiate between literal and symbolic elements.​ 4. Quote one line that supports your interpretation.​ 5. Investigate how the author uses language to imply deeper themes such as isolation, mortality, or spirituality. Vocabulary terms identified: imagery, symbolism, isolation, mortality.​ How they contribute to meaning:​ Imagery :helps the reader visualize the setting and mood of the poem.​ Symbolism: allows ordinary objects to represent deeper ideas.​ Isolation :shows the speaker’s emotional distance from others. Mortality: reminds the reader that life is temporary and fragile Literal vs. symbolic elements​ Literally, the poem describes a person alone in a quiet setting. Symbolically, that loneliness represents inner struggle and reflection rather than just physical separation.​ Quoted line:​ “I walk alone beneath the fading light.”​ Deeper themes:​ The author uses simple, quiet language and short lines to imply isolation and mortality. The calm tone and fading imagery suggest reflection on life and possibly a spiritual awareness of time passing. Section 4: Vocabulary Creation Station Choose one vocabulary word and create a mini-poster that includes:​ - Your own definition of the word​ - A visual representation (drawing or printed image)​ - A unique example from literature, film, or personal experience​ - A short explanation of how your example fits the concept ​ Symbolism is when something stands for a bigger idea. ​ I would draw a small tree growing through cracked concrete. ​ In my own life, a cracked phone screen reminds me of how stress can build up over time but still allows things to work. ​ The cracked screen represents pressure and challenges, while the phone still working shows resilience. This fits symbolism because the object means more than what it is on the surface. Section 5: Exit Ticket Choose one of the following prompts and respond in 3–4 sentences. Use at least two vocabulary words in your response:​ 1. Which vocabulary word today helped you understand literature more deeply?​ 2. Explain one paradox you uncovered in your reading.​ 3. How does introspection influence a character’s actions? Introspection helps a character slow down and really think about their choices. When a character begins to contemplate their actions, they often notice mistakes they ignored before. This deeper thinking can lead to change or growth. Through introspection, the character starts to understand themselves better and act more honestly.