Academic Words in Science and Social Studies

Learn and use domain-specific words that carry exact meanings in school subjects.

Each school subject has its own important words, called domain-specific vocabulary. In science you meet words like habitat, erosion, and evaporation. In social studies you meet words like region, government, and trade. These words have exact meanings, and you need them to understand the topic.

Textbooks help: they often print key words in bold and explain them in the sentence or a glossary at the back. Read: 'Over many years, erosion, the slow wearing away of rock and soil by wind and water, carved the canyon. ' The definition is right there, and the word helps you understand how the canyon formed. Keep a list of new subject words, with a meaning and an example for each.

• 1Each subject has its own exact, important words.
• 2Look for bold words, nearby definitions, and the glossary.
• 3Keep a list with meanings and examples.