Vocabulary & Timed Writing Essentials
Review word-attack strategies, key word parts, and the 40-minute timed writing protocol.
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Questions Covered in This Set
10 cards to master
What are the three word-attack tools, in order?
1) Context clues, 2) Morphology (word parts), 3) Part of speech + tone.
Name the four context-clue signal patterns.
Definition/restatement, contrast, example, and cause/effect.
What does 'circumspect' mean, broken into parts?
circum- (around) + -spect- (look) = 'looking around' = cautious, wary.
What does 'malediction' literally mean?
mal- (bad) + -dict- (say) = a curse.
How should you set up a vocabulary log?
Three columns: the word, the sentence you found it in, and your own definition in your own words — review 10 old words for every 5 new ones.
What is the T-E-A paragraph pattern?
Topic sentence → Evidence (quote or specific fact) → Analysis (2+ sentences explaining how the evidence proves the topic sentence).
How is a 40-minute timed writing broken down?
3 min unpack the prompt, 5 min plan, 27 min draft, 5 min proofread.
Why is planning worth 5 minutes of a timed essay?
Because timed writing fails when people type before they know what they think; planning a thesis and skeleton saves about ten minutes of drafting.
What makes a thesis strong rather than weak?
It takes a clear position and previews the reasons, instead of vaguely saying something has 'good and bad effects.'
What personal errors should you hunt during proofreading?
Comma splices, subject–verb agreement, vague pronouns (this, it), and unfinished sentences.
