Overview of Building Word Knowledge

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Skill Explainer

Vocabulary Skill Explainer

Marion McBride, M.Ed.

Comprehension depends on knowing word meanings. If a word is decoded and pronounced but the meaning is not recognized, comprehension will be impaired. Knowledge of a word’s meaning also facilitates accurate word recognition.

— Nation, 2008 (opens in new window)

Vocabulary instruction must produce depth of word knowledge to produce measurable gains in reading comprehension.

— William E. Nagy, Ph.D., 1988

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