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Growing Mindset Vocabulary

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Growing Mindset Vocabulary

Read the short scenario, then use context clues and precise word choices to explore vocabulary about learning and improvement.

Read the scenario

When Maia’s first speech draft received feedback, she felt discouraged. She had repeated the same ideas and used vague words. Instead of deciding she was “bad at writing”, Maia treated the draft as a starting point. She revised one paragraph at a time, looked up precise synonyms and asked a classmate which version communicated the point best. Her first revision still had errors, but the feedback helped her identify what to practise. By the third draft, her argument was stronger. Maia realised that improvement was gradual: useful effort meant choosing strategies, not simply spending more time. She still found public speaking challenging, but now saw that challenge as an opportunity to develop.

Decode the vocabulary

Use the scenario and your knowledge of word meaning. Give clear, thoughtful answers.

1.In the scenario, what does “vague” mean in the phrase “used vague words”? Choose the closest meaning.

Unclear or not specific
Unusually formal
Correct but difficult to pronounce

2.Match each word in List A to its meaning in List B. Write the letter of the matching meaning beside each word.

List A: revise
List A: synonym
List A: gradual
List A: feedback

List B: D. comments or advice about someone’s work
List B: C. happening in small steps over time
List B: A. to change or improve a piece of work
List B: B. a word with a similar meaning to another word

3.Which phrase from the scenario best shows that Maia approached learning with a growth mindset?

4.Complete the sentence with a word from the scenario: Maia asked which version communicated the point best so she could make her argument .

5.True or false: In the scenario, Maia’s useful effort involved choosing strategies as well as spending time.

TrueFalse

6.Choose the best synonym for “discouraged” as it is used in the scenario.

Disheartened
Amused
Certain

7.Explain the difference between a “mistake” and a “failure”. In your answer, show how Maia’s errors could be viewed as part of learning.

8.Replace the vague word in this sentence with a more precise verb: “Maia did her speech again after getting feedback.”

9.Use the word “strategy” in a sentence about a practical way to improve a skill. Your sentence must show what the strategy helps you do.

10.Maia found public speaking challenging. Write a two-sentence response she could give herself that uses the words “challenge” and “progress” accurately and encouragingly.

Sketch or write one small step you could take to improve a skill. Add a precise vocabulary word from this worksheet as a label.