Vocabulary

The Three Tiers of Vocabulary

Tier 1: Everyday Words

• Definition: Basic, common words used in everyday conversation.

• Examples: dog, run, happy, ball, eat

• Characteristics:

  • Typically learned naturally through exposure.

  • Often concrete and easy to visualize.

  • Usually the first words children learn.

Tier 2: High-Utility Academic Words

• Definition: Words that are more precise and often found in written texts and academic settings.

• Examples: describe, compare, predict, fortunate, maintain

• Characteristics:

  • Crucial for reading comprehension and academic success.

  • Appear across many subjects.

  • Often taught explicitly in school.

Tier 3: Subject-Specific Words

• Definition: Technical or domain-specific vocabulary used in particular fields.

• Examples: photosynthesis, numerator, habitat, democracy

• Characteristics:

  • Learned as needed for specific topics.

  • Often introduced during focused instruction.