cite (verb) to refer to as an example or as proof

• Sample Sentence: My principal cited alarming statistics about what happens to people who are bullied and to people who do the bullying.

• Turn and Talk: Why is it important to cite evidence when you are making an important argument?

research (noun) systematically collected information; systematic investigation into a subject

• Sample Sentence: Greg does online research before buying new items like skateboards and video games.

• Turn and Talk: When conducting research online, how can you tell if the information is true or not?

*research (verb) to collect and analyze information about a subject

• Sample Sentence: In researching the North and South Pole, Gayle learned that the polarities have reversed several times in the last million years.

• Turn and Talk: Think of some animals that you might see in an African safari. Of these animals, which would you most like to research?

data (noun) facts, information, statistics

• Sample Sentence: Before changing the cafeteria lunch menu, the school collected data about the kinds of food that students like.

• Turn and Talk: Imagine you had to plan a class party. What kind of data would you collect to make sure that everyone had a good time?

phase (verb) to do gradually in steps according to a plan

• Sample Sentence: Many countries have started phasing out the use of traditional light bulbs and are replacing them with energy-efficient bulbs.

• Turn and Talk: How might a person phase in a good exercise routine?

*phase (noun) a step in a process; a short period of time

• Sample Sentence: The first phase of Juan Camilo’s exercise plan included doing twenty sit-ups and push-ups each morning. In the second phase, he would increase the number to thirty.

• Turn and Talk: Eden’s mother dismissed her poor behavior by saying, “She’s going through a phase.” What do you think she meant by that?

strategy (noun) a systematic plan or method

• Sample Sentence: Changing your passwords frequently is a good strategy to stay safe online.

• Turn and Talk: With your partner, think of a strategy that you could use to convince your teacher to have a class party.

*alternate part of speech