Building Your Vocabulary (Scholastic Guides)
Grade 4-8-This resource supplies a wealth of information. Chapters are devoted to prefixes, roots, and suffixes; word families; homonyms and homographs; understanding the meaning of words using context clues; how to use a dictionary and thesaurus; and how to increase one's vocabulary using techniques such as games. Interesting information on the longest words in the English language, how words change in meaning and usage over time, and many tables and lists round out this useful volume. Each chapter begins with a humorous illustration, and many additional pictures are scattered throughout. The use of a light blue for words discussed, italics, and different types of fonts add interest and visual appeal to the pages. Chapters end with "Extra" pages, highlighted in blue, that give additional details, a game, or a story to solve. (Unfortunately, the wrong "main/mane" is used in the supposedly correct homonym paragraph.) Explanations and examples are clear and often amusing. The author does not talk down to young people; nor does he go over their heads or give too much detail. This easy-to-read, enjoyable guide says a great deal about language. Students can use it as a way to increase their vocabulary and as an easy reference source.Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.