Word Detective Assignment--An Example

Word Detective--An Example

What does this completed "word-detective assignment" look like?

Tyler has provided a great example:

He said,

"I have only found two words that I did not understand.

"1. papacy
guess- something ran by one man
2nd guess- somethin to do with
the pope
definition- the system of ecclesiastical government in which teh pope is recognized as the supreme head

"2. magisterial
guess- simple state of something
2nd guess- headed by a person of
authority
definition- of, pertaining to, or befitting a master, authoritative; weighty; of importance or consequence"

You can see that his guesses did relate to the dictionary definitions, but they (his wording) is a little easier to understand. You also see he grasped the basic meanings. (It would have been O.K. even if he completely missed the dictionary meanings. In that case, he would have really learned something in the process.)

Here is my response:

"Very good, Tyler,

"You get the prize for the first on the word assignment.

"You can just pick out a third word. It can be one that you do think you understand.

"Still do the steps: Write the word; write your definition; see if your definition fits as it is used in the chapter; then compare your understanding with a dictionary definition. Sometimes even familiar words are given more specific meanings during this process. Sometimes not, but we usually go through the process at least once during the term because sometimes you may find a word that is very hard to find in a dictionary, or the dictionary meaning might relate to a different field. You also sometimes "firm up" the meaning of the word as you go through the process.

"Good job on the two you have done. I hope everyone else learns from your example. Everyone should read the comment at the bottom of the assignment post too. That tells how to do this if you have already read your chapter."

For our focused response postings this week, continue on with your discussion, and be sure to include your results of the assignment. (For those who need it, you can get three posts out of this also if you do a post for each word.)