Verbs

-ize, -ise, -ify, -en will often indicate these words are verbs Examples: modernize, emphasize, realize, beautify, terrify, simplify, widen, and soften

4. Compound Words

Some words will have more than one root word. A word that has two root words joined together is called a compound word. If the learner knows the meaning of the two separate words, it is easy to figure out what the compound word means. So, if the learner knows hand and shake, she will have an idea of what handshake means.

Points to consider when discussing vocabulary with your learner

• Show the learner more than one example of the noun when teaching a noun.
  If you teach the learner "chair" show pictures of a kitchen chair, an office chair etc.
  
  
• Use synonyms for the new word whenever possible.
  Beautiful is similar to pretty.
  Huge has the same meaning as very big.
  
  
• Give the learner an example of that word if there is no synonym.
  Apples are fruit.
  Breakfast is considered a meal. Lunch and supper are meals.
  
  
• Use antonyms to explain a new word if it is appropriate.
  Huge is the opposite of very small.
  Beautiful is the opposite of ugly.
  
  
• Draw pictures to assist with vocabulary development when necessary.
  
  
• Use whatever means available to explain vocabulary before your learner resorts to the dictionary.
  
  
• Encourage intermediate and advanced learners to use a monolingual dictionary.
  
  These vocabulary-building techniques need to be used within the context of a larger lesson that promotes listening, speaking, reading and writing development. Spending an entire lesson dissecting words could get boring. Find applicable words in the article that your learner has chosen to analyze and discuss.