Vocabulary-expanding word bank

**Students can depend on using the same comfortable and familiar words in their written work. For language learners and SEN students, this can often be down to a lack of confidence or not knowing how to expand their vocabulary. **

This worksheet shows students a strategy for developing their vocabulary. It builds their confidence in using a wider variety of words, giving them a great sense of achievement.

The word bank worksheet can be used as a vocabulary-expanding activity for various topics or as a review task. It is also helpful after completing a plan or first draft of written work.

This worksheet is also helpful for showing students how to use a dictionary and thesaurus effectively. While some students may feel overwhelmed, others may overuse these tools or struggle to select the best words; for example, using a synonym for technical terms isn’t always appropriate.

Vocabulary activities can be overwhelming for some learners without a goal, so this worksheet contains clear goals and flexibility for differentiation.

• Attractive design to engage students
• White and SEN-friendly background options
• SEN-friendly font, text colour, pt size and character spacing
• Can be used to improve written work but also presentation and speech scripts
• Can be used as a homework task to prepare for a writing class or as a warm-up activity for a ‘strong start’ before editing time during class
• Can be used individually or collaboratively with a partner or small group as part of a peer editing task