ESOL Ww/L2.1a Apply knowledge of vocabulary to aid accurate spelling

Writing > Word Focus (Spelling and Handwriting) > Spelling> Ww1.1 Spell correctly words used most often in work, studies and daily life, including familiar technical words
Ww1.1a Apply knowledge of vocabulary to aid accurate spelling
(i) Apply knowledge of appropriate special-interest vocabulary, including related technical words
(ii) Develop knowledge of a wide range of common collocations, idioms and colloquialisms for use with different audiences and genres
(iii) Spell words with a wide range of spelling patterns accurately and consistently
(iv) Understand how knowledge of a wide range of word roots, origins, prefixes and suffixes can support spelling, including the spelling of technical words

Examples of application and level:

(i) Spell correctly key words relating to learner’s own work, leisure and study interests.
(iv) Carry out an assignment, e.g. Research and write three short paragraphs about the origins and spelling of the following words: psychology, population, television. In each case give examples of other words that belong to the same word family.

Sample activities:

• Learners are introduced to new vocabulary in a variety of ways, through a range of texts (e.g. technical, sports and fashion, including texts downloaded from the internet), CALL software, video and listening exercises.
• Learners develop knowledge of ICT vocabulary, linked to specific IT, keyboard, word-processing skills, and vocabulary linked to internet access and navigation, as appropriate to need and level.
• In pairs or small groups, learners discuss and compare different collocations related to different areas of study, e.g. Health and Social Care, Leisure and Tourism.
• Learners practise spelling common and relevant key words, identifying patterns from language in use in texts, and then go on to further practice using CALL software.
• Learners look at the origin of words and compare with their own languages, noting ‘false friends’ (e.g. words that look the same as those in the first language but have different meanings).
• Learners discuss the origin and meaning of prefixes, e.g. tele means far, and vision means seeing, so it becomes easier to learn telescope, telephone, telecommunications, and to understand new formations like teleconferencing.

Source: Adult ESOL Core Curriculum (DfES, 2001) (pp384-5)