Peter Horton - Educator

Unit 13: Using Over 300 of the Most Important Words to Improve Your Vocabulary
Introduction

This unit is not meant to be completed in one day or a few weeks.

It is designed for long-term study, step-by-step, depending on your pace or teacher’s guidance.

• Focus:

1. Learn word meanings.
2. Identify parts of speech.
3. Use words in correct context.

• Apply grammar rules (descriptive & prescriptive).
• Study Plan and Method
  Recommended Pace
• Learn 25–40 words per week.
• Total: 320 words in this unit (with more to be added later).
• Learning Goals
• Read, listen to, say, spell, and use words in sentences.
• Improve grammar by seeing words in correct order.
• Gain confidence in writing and speaking English.

Step-by-Step Method

• See the word.
• Read the word.
• Listen to the word.
• Say the word with the speaker.

(Tip: If you don’t know how to add a speaker to your device, ask someone or use an e-reader provided.)

Grammar Connection

Descriptive grammar → How words/parts of speech are used in sentences.

Prescriptive grammar → The rules for correct usage.

By learning vocabulary in context, you improve both grammar and sentence construction.

Using the Word List

Each word includes:

1. Word
2. Part of Speech
3. Definition
4. Example Sentence

Examples:

• The (article) – Used to specify something known or obvious. The cat sat on the mat.
• Of (preposition) – Expresses relationship between part and whole. The sleeve of the shirt was torn.
• And (conjunction) – Connects words of the same type. She bought apples and oranges.

Practice and Application

Sentence Structure

A sentence should contain:

• Subject (usually a noun).
• Predicate (verb).
• Articles (a, an, the) appear before nouns.
• Punctuation (periods, question marks, exclamation points) completes sentences.
• Reading Aloud
• Practice word stress, phrasing, and pauses.
• Pay attention to commas and rhythm.
• Reading aloud improves memory and fluency.
• Word Importance
• Most commonly used words (highlighted in red in the list) are essential.
• Mastering these builds a strong English foundation.
• Writing Practice
• After learning words, apply them in writing.

Task: Choose 5 topics and write 70–100 words each using the vocabulary list.

Example themes: Family, School, Daily Routine, Travel, Nature.

Word List (Sample from 1–25)

Word Part of Speech Definition Example Sentence
The Article Used to specify something obvious. The cat sat on the mat.
Of Preposition Shows relationship of part to whole. The sleeve of the shirt was torn.
And Conjunction Connects words of the same type. She bought apples and oranges.
A Article Refers to one nonspecific thing. There is a book on the table.
To Preposition Shows direction. He went to the store.
In Preposition Shows enclosed position. The pen is in the drawer.
Is Verb Present tense of “be.” She is going to school.
You Pronoun Refers to the person addressed. You are my friend.
That Pronoun Refers to a specific thing. I know that person.
It Pronoun Refers to a thing. It is raining outside.

Conclusion

This unit supplies 320 essential words.

Writing and reading activities reinforce learning.

More words will be added later to reach 650 and 1,000 words.

Purpose: Build a strong vocabulary foundation to improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking.