• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Chapter 1Theoretical Underpinnings
• Chapter 2Learning and Teaching Materials
• Chapter 3Voc Games and Activities
• Chapter 4References
• Appendix 1Preamble & Wordlists
• Appendix 2Learning Targets

Appendix 1: Preamble to the Development of the Wordlists for the English Language Curriculum

 

4. Use of the wordlists

 

It should be emphasised that the lists are for reference only. They provide teachers with a general indication as to what words (and how many) students should learn at different stages of learning. A goal of the vocabulary lists is to equip students with around 5,000 English words by the time they complete their senior secondary education. Students are expected to recognise the target words when they meet them, either in written texts or in speech, and to know their meanings. They are not expected to have a full productive command of all of the items. Students are expected to know about 1,000 words by the end of KS1, 2,000 words by the end of primary education, 3,500 words by the end of KS3 and 5,000 words by the end of senior secondary education. It should, however, be stressed that this number is indicative rather than prescriptive. Teachers and schools should not rigidly interpret it as the target that students must attain by the end of a Key Stage or year level.

 

Teachers are strongly encouraged to design meaningful tasks and activities to help students develop their vocabulary knowledge and skills and provide ample opportunities for vocabulary use rather than asking students to memorise words mechanically.  Teachers are also advised to add words to the lists (or replace words), according to the topics and materials students have studied in their classes and to provide their learners with the flexibility to develop a vocabulary that is personally meaningful. For example, a student who is interested in sports should be encouraged to enlarge his/her vocabulary through integrated language activities on the topic.