🔍 Part 1: Word Detective Skills

1. What strategies can you use to work out the meaning of unknown words? Check all that apply:

Look at the words around it (context clues)

Break the word into parts (prefixes, suffixes, root words)

Use a dictionary

Skip the word completely

Ask someone for help

Think about what makes sense in the sentence

2. Circle the BEST first strategy when you encounter an unknown word:

Immediately look it up in a dictionary

Read the sentence again and use context clues

Skip it and keep reading

Ask the teacher straight away

📚 Part 2: Vocabulary from Your Novel

3. Write the title of the novel you are currently reading:

4. Find THREE challenging words from your novel and complete the detective work below:

Word 1: ________________________

Page number: _______

Context clues (what words around it help?):

My guess at the meaning:

Dictionary definition:

Word 2: ________________________

Page number: _______

Context clues (what words around it help?):

My guess at the meaning:

Dictionary definition:

Word 3: ________________________

Page number: _______

Context clues (what words around it help?):

My guess at the meaning:

Dictionary definition:

🧩 Part 3: Word Parts Detective

5. Match the prefixes with their meanings:

1. un-

2. re-

3. pre-

4. dis-

A. before

B. not

C. again

D. opposite of

6. Break down these words into parts and work out their meanings:

uncomfortable

Prefix: _______ Root word: _______ Suffix: _______

Meaning: ________________________________________________

prehistoric

Prefix: _______ Root word: _______

Meaning: ________________________________________________

disagreeable

Prefix: _______ Root word: _______ Suffix: _______

Meaning: ________________________________________________

💭 Part 4: Using Your New Words

7. Choose ONE of the words you found in your novel and write a new sentence using it correctly:

8. How has learning these new words helped you understand your novel better? Explain with specific examples:

9. Which vocabulary strategy worked best for you today? Circle one and explain why:

Context clues

Breaking words into parts

Using a dictionary

Asking for help

Explanation:

🎯 Part 5: Reflection and Next Steps

10. What will you do differently next time you encounter unknown words while reading? Write your plan:

11. Rate your confidence as a vocabulary detective:

Expert Detective - I can solve any word mystery!

Good Detective - I have solid strategies that usually work

Learning Detective - I'm getting better with practice

Beginning Detective - I need more practice with these strategies

Novel Vocabulary Detective Work

Novel Vocabulary Detective Work

🔍 Part 1: Word Detective Skills

📚 Part 2: Vocabulary from Your Novel

🧩 Part 3: Word Parts Detective

💭 Part 4: Using Your New Words

🎯 Part 5: Reflection and Next Steps

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