Word Analyzer Vocabulary Tool
In the 4th podcast of the Science of Reading, highlighted in Weekly Voices October 1st, Diane August mentioned the Word Analyzer Vocabulary Tool which can help determine which words in a text need to be taught. The tool’s content is based on the Seward First 4000 Word List and all of the commonly used parts of speech for each word. When a text is pasted into the tool, it divides the vocabulary into five parts depending on frequency of use. The first group are words that occur most often. In each of the next three groups, or quartiles, are those used progressively less frequently. The final group are the most frequently used words such as the, of, or have. The Q count shows how much of the text contains the words in each of five frequency lists. Cognates refers to similar words in Spanish. The image-ability score shows how easy or difficult it is to create an image or use gestures to explain the word.
Apart from uncommon words, which are not included, the tool generates frequency lists and color codes the words in original text according to which list they are in. Clicking on any color-coded word will show its definition, but the vocabulary in the definitions is sometimes more difficult than the words themselves. However, the Word Analyzer can be a useful tool and save time in lesson preparation. The site contains a guide, and registration to use it is free.
Diane August also mentioned using an online dictionary. Below are four free online learner’s dictionaries.