Watch this recording of our most recent webinar showcasing our Vocabulary in Context series. Learn about the high–interest content and unique instructional approach that sets this series apart—and get a sneak peek into the newest book, Vocabulary in Context: Mysteries, Curiosities & Wonders.

Come see what you missed—or even watch the webinar again! We’ve recorded the presentation and compiled some of the questions you asked.

Watch a recording of the session

Correction / Note: Flesch–Kincaid reading level: 9.2–10.8, 10–11 vocabulary words per section, 754–1045 words per passage, EDL words level 11–13

Questions & Answers from our session

For which grade levels are these books intended?
The recommended grade levels for each book are as follows:

  • Wilderness Survival — Grades 6–8
  • The History of Hip–Hop: The First 25 Years — Grades 9–10
  • Mysteries, Curiosities & Wonders — Grades 11–12

However, each one could be used in any grade, depending on the learning needs and reading levels of your students. One of the titles will certainly be well–suited for your class.

How many vocabulary words are in each passage?
There are 8–12 words per passage in Wilderness Survival, 10–12 in The History of Hip–Hop, and 10–11 in Mysteries, Curiosities & Wonders.

What are EDL words?
The EDL Reading Core Vocabulary is a list of words separated by grade level. The grouping of the words is based on the frequency at which they appear in the more common texts read in that particular grade.

What topics are included in Wilderness Survival?
Wilderness Survival contains topics such as how to find water, build a shelter, and start a fire. All of the information was adapted from real US Army training manuals.

What topics are included in The History of Hip–Hop: The First 25 Years?
Some topics in The History of Hip–Hop include the origins of the genre, some common elements in the music and the culture, and biographical information about many famous artists.

What topics are included in Mysteries, Curiosities & Wonders?
Mysteries, Curiosities & Wonders discusses some of the greatest unsolved mysteries, paranormal phenomena, and scientific wonders. Some topics are the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Loch Ness Monster, Amelia Earhart, and the speed of light.

What is the ratio of multiple–choice to short answer responses in the exercises following each passage?
The number of question types per section is as follows:

  • Exercise 1 (Word List): one short answer question for each word
  • Exercise 2 (Using Words in Context): one fill–in–the–blank question for each word
  • Exercise 3 (Reading Comprehension and Analysis): five multiple–choice questions total
  • Exercise 4 (Making Inferences): five multiple–choice questions total
  • Exercise 5 (Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes): generally two to three short answer questions with multiple parts, but varying by chapter

Are the exercises the same for each book in the Vocabulary in Context series?
Yes, they are the same for each book in the series.

Are there ways to assess student learning of the vocabulary in a summative way?
No, the book does not contain summative assessment.

Is the Vocabulary in Context series suitable for English language learners?
The Vocabulary in Context series is suitable for students whose reading levels fall within the range of the selected book. Teachers may provide additional language support (e.g., pointing out cognates and distinguishing homophones) as needed based on their students’ specific instructional needs.

About Vocabulary in Context

Imagine a vocabulary program so engaging and memorable that your students are clamoring to work ahead! Each book in the Vocabulary in Context series — Wilderness Survival, The History of Hip–Hop, and Mysteries, Curiosities & Wonders — introduces over 125 vocabulary words in high–interest contexts and uses research and classroom–proven lessons to make sure that students remember the words they encounter. Learn more about Vocabulary in Context.