Grades 9–10: List 7

Vocabulary is key to performing well on Common Core-aligned tests for English Language Arts as well as for building literacy in social studies, science, and technical subjects. This collection features common tier-2 words that are taught and tested in Grades 9 and 10. These words are used in a variety of contexts, exhibit different shades of meaning based on those contexts, and appear commonly in classroom instruction and on standardized assessments.

Here are links to our lists for the collection: List 1, List 2, List 3, List 4, List 5, List 6, List 7, List 8
15 words 177 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. structure
    the building of something and the arrangement of its parts
    The novel’s structure cleverly reflects this diversity: The chapters move from character to character, some with first-person narrators, some with third.Washington Post (Mar 15, 2022)
  2. cause
    any entity that produces an effect
    Scientists are ultimately exploring cause and effect-how changes to one part of the world can cause other things to change.The Thing About Jellyfish
  3. effect
    a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
    Whatever spell the witch had tried to cast apparently had no effect.Fablehaven
  4. problem
    a question raised for consideration or solution
    “Speaking of solving problems,” said Miss K, “do you think fighting is a good way to settle arguments?”Ralph S. Mouse
  5. solution
    the successful action of solving a problem
    I’m not ready to talk about my solution to the choir problem.Muffled
  6. pro
    an argument in favor of a proposal
    We threw a couple names around, discussed pros and cons, and our personal opinions started to emerge.Courage to Soar
  7. con
    an argument opposed to a proposal
    We threw a couple names around, discussed pros and cons, and our personal opinions started to emerge.Courage to Soar
  8. theme
    a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary work
    Reading 2: Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.Music and the Child
  9. tone
    a quality that reveals the attitudes of the author
    And in English, I raise my hand when Ms. Singh asks someone to explain the difference between mood and tone.How to Disappear Completely
  10. topic
    the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
    “First of all, if you have not yet picked a topic for your science report, please, please come and talk to me after class. You should be well into researching it by now.”The Thing About Jellyfish
  11. trustworthy
    worthy of trust or belief
    Most trustworthy sources are regular communicators, so poor spelling, grammar or punctuation are grounds for suspicion.Nature (Jun 16, 2020)
  12. voice
    the distinctive way a writer uses language to express ideas
    I need a story that grabs me quickly, that’s told with a powerful narrative voice and powerful language, and that ideally is by an author new to me.New York Times (Aug 19, 2021)
  13. consistent
    marked by an orderly and coherent relation of parts
    He liked books, generally speaking, because they could be trusted to be consistent.Beasts of Prey
  14. appropriate
    suitable for a particular person, place, or situation
    I learned that word in history class last year and try to use it whenever it’s appropriate, because Mr. Ingman always tells us that language is power.I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
  15. website
    a set of pages on the internet organized as a single unit
    I opened the Harvard website on my phone and searched for Professor Thomas’s name.From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Created on July 20, 2022 (updated August 30, 2022)

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