A wide vocabulary with an understanding of word roots and relationships is directly related to how effectively and efficiently a student studies and learns. The fewer words a student understands fully and accurately, the more he misses or misunderstands and the longer he takes to learn in English, Social Studies, Science, and even Math. Writing effectiveness and efficiency are also directly related to vocabulary and language mastery. Standardized testing like the SAT and ACT indirectly test vocabulary through timed reading comprehension questions and essay writing questions. English is the academic language of the world, and the Latin and Greek roots are a fundamental component of an academic English vocabulary. In this course we will take the study of English vocabulary back to its Greek and Latin roots, learning over 1000 word elements that provide the basis for thousands of English words. We will also discuss how English words are formed, to better understand and use the language. We will even learn interesting things like: the difference between affect and effect; why terrifying and terrific have nearly opposite meanings; and correct pronunciation and spelling of pneumonia, onomatopoeia, or deoxyribonucleic. This course has a lower workload so students can take it as part of a full core course load. It is particularly recommended for middle school and early high school student prior to upper-level courses and SAT/ACT testing.
Note: On an accredited transcript this course lists for credit as an Academic Elective.