Challenge : Vocabulary gaps
Suggestions:
Vocabulary reference before reading: Before starting the reading task, I would introduce a short vocabulary reference activity. Students match a set of target words with their definitions, using visual support to help them understand the meaning. The target words are also highlighted in bold in the reading text.
Skimming, scanning and vocabulary boosting: Learners first skim the text to get a general idea and scan it to locate the target vocabulary. As a further comprehension task, they match each paragraph with a short general description of its content. Key words in the paragraphs help them identify the correct match and focus on the main idea rather than trying to understand every single word. Finally, a “vocabulary boosting” activity encourages students to use the new words in an authentic context, for example by completing sentences or discussing a situation in group activities.
Why It’s Effective: These tasks can reduce comprehension difficulties as learners become familiar with less familiar vocabulary and see it in context, using key words and text organisation to construct meaning, while the final reinforcement practice promotes more active language use.
