Building a Better Vocabulary

z Discursive is an adjective meaning rambling from topic to topic,

aimless, or digressive.

z Finally, turgid is an adjective meaning swollen or overly

ornamented speech.

Comparing and Contrasting
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light on the power of comparing and contrasting as a learning tool.
ż Researchers asked the management students to analyze a set
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cases one by one, while the second group compared the cases.

ż Not surprisingly, the researchers found that the group that

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z When we compare concepts, ideas, or words, we’re forced to

identify the deep features that make two things similar or different.

That type of thinking leads to long-term, meaningful learning.

z Try out the following compare, contrast, and connect vocabulary

strategy for yourself:

ż First, go back through your vocabulary notebook and pick three

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words all describe different types of people, such as draconian,

avuncular, and quixotic.

ż Second, write down a situation in which you can apply all

three words, perhaps one involving people you know or

circumstances in which you’ve found yourself. Visualize

these people or circumstances alongside the three words

you’ve chosen.

ż Third, using the review scenarios in this lecture as a model,

compare and contrast the words by comparing and contrasting

the people or circumstances.