The Cask of Amontillado Vocabulary Activity

Activity Overview

In any classroom, vocabulary is a key component for expanding student knowledge. A perfect way for students to practice vocabulary skills is to create storyboards that show the use of a word in a real life context or visually depicted as meant in the text. When students define and then use a word, they master the use of it in context and retain it into their own vocabulary.

There are two ways that you can use Poe’s vocabulary to teach your class. First, have students come up with their usage for each word in an original sentence authored by them. Second, have them find the usage of the word in the text and depict what the word means.

Vocabulary Words from “The Cask of Amontillado”

Amontillado: A dry pale sherry, a type of alcohol similar to wine.
Retribution: Payback, punishment, revenge.
Impunity: Freedom from consequences.

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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in "The Cask of Amontillado" by creating a visual vocabulary board.

Choose three vocabulary words from the story and type them in the title boxes.
Find the definition in a print or online dictionary.
Write a sentence that uses the vocabulary word.
Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.

Alternatively, use Photos for Class to show the meaning of the words with the search bar.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 1 (Introducing / Reinforcing)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Visual Vocabulary Boards

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/4] Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone)
[ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/6] Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically
[ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/3] Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening

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Rubric

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Visual Vocabulary Assignment

Define, illustrate, and give an example sentence for any three vocabulary words.

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Word 1 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 1 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.
Word 2 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 2 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.
Word 3 - Sentence	Vocabulary word is used correctly in the example sentence in both meaning and context.	The meaning of the sentence can be understood, but the vocabulary word is used awkwardly or in the wrong context.	The vocabulary word is not used correctly in the example sentence.
Word 3 - Visualization	The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.	The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand.	The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word.