7/28/2019 8 Great Ways to Elicit Vocabulary

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8 Great Ways to Elicit Vocabulary

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Opposites

There are words with very clear opposites, which is why they are so useful

when we want to draw out a word from a student. But try to avoid the direct question, What is the opposite of? Use context instead:

T: Are you usually awake at 3 am? S: No, Im asleep .

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Synonyms

Use synonyms to elicit vocabulary , but similar to the case above try to avoid asking, What is the synonym of ? Try an activity like

paraphrasing. You make a statement and the student must paraphrase it by using a synonym:

T: I can type quickly. S: You mean you can type fast .

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Definitions

Definitions are a very easy way to elicit vocabulary, especially when it is

taught in context and in batches. Say you are practicing words related to

office supplies. You provide the definitions and students supply the right words:

T: Im going to the stationary store to buy some supplies. I need one of those things you use to cut paper. What is that called? S1: A pair of scissors!

7/28/2019 8 Great Ways to Elicit Vocabulary

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7/28/2019 8 Great Ways to Elicit Vocabulary

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In this case, establish the frequency by asking the student questions:T: How often do you go to the movies? S: Once a year T: So you cant say you never go to the movies . S: No, not never. I seldom go to the movies.

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Im drawing a blank

Another great way to elicit vocabulary in natural-sounding conversation is

to pretend that theres something you cant remember : Remember that

for Halloween you talked about the costumes you wanted to wear? What was that monster you told me about? The one that turns into a wolf when theres a full moon?

You can have great fun with this and elicit as many words as you want during any class.

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Visual Clues

This is clearly the best strategy for visual learners and young learners in

general. Simply point out something in an illustration or flashcard to elicit the vocabulary from your students: So, Sarah went shopping, and we can see here she bought lots of things. What did she buy?

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Word Clusters

Word clusters or mind maps are the ideal graphic organizer to elicit

vocabulary from students . You start by placing a general topic in the center of the cluster and students add words that relate to that topic.

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Do you remember?

Elicit vocabulary and test your students memory. Listen to or read a dialogue and ask detailed questions later: What did the boy want for Christmas ? What did he get?