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X.1 Choose the words that don't belong

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What are vocabulary categories?

Vocabulary categories are groups of words that are related by meaning, topic, or purpose. Learning to group words into categories helps you build stronger connections between ideas and improves reading and writing skills.

Examples of Categories:
  • Animals: dog, cat, horse, elephant
  • Foods: bread, milk, apple, pasta
  • Weather: rain, snow, sunshine, wind
Note

When you group words, you make it easier to remember them and see how they connect in real life.

Why are vocabulary categories important?

Categories help organize language. By learning categories, you can better understand word meanings and use them more accurately in speaking and writing.

Examples of Why Categories Matter:
  • Understanding that bus, train, and bicycle belong to the “transportation” category helps you talk about travel.
  • Recognizing that pencil, paper, and book belong to “school supplies” helps you organize ideas about learning.
Note

Thinking in categories strengthens both vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Types of vocabulary categories

Categories can be based on different kinds of relationships. Some categories are about topics, some are about functions, and some are about descriptive qualities.

Examples of Category Types:
  • Topic: ocean → fish, seaweed, sand
  • Function: kitchen tools → spoon, pan, oven
  • Quality: colors → red, blue, green
Note

When sorting words, ask yourself: Do they belong together because of topic, function, or qualities?

Using categories in sentences

Using category words in sentences helps you practice fluency and understand how related words work together in context.

Examples:
  • “The bus and train are both forms of transportation.”
  • “I packed my pencil, paper, and book for school.”
  • “The dog, cat, and horse are all animals.”
Note

Practice grouping words and then writing sentences with them. This builds strong vocabulary connections.

Strategies for learning new categories

When you discover a new word, think about which category it belongs to. This helps you remember the word and use it more effectively.

Helpful Strategies:
  • Make a list of words you know in a category (such as “foods”).
  • Add new words to the list when you learn them.
  • Draw pictures or create charts to group related words together.
Note

Building word banks by category supports reading comprehension, writing, and speaking skills.