12 Powerful Words that Increase

12 Powerful Words that Increase Test Scores and Help Close the Achievement Gap:

A Resource for Educators and Parents by Larry I. Bell

The 12 Powerful Words
Word	Short, "at-promise" student friendly phrases
1. Trace	List in steps
2. Analyze	Break apart
3. Infer	Read between the lines
4. Evaluate	Judge
5. Formulate	Create
6. Describe	Tell all about
7. Support	Back up with details
8. Explain	Tell how
9. Summarize	Give me the short version
10. Compare	All the ways they are alike
11. Contrast	All the ways they are different
12. Predict	What will happen next

The Importance of the 12 Powerful Words

It is hard to answer a question in any subject if you do not know what the question means or is asking!

The goal -- has to be for every student to be "on friendly terms" and thoroughly familiar with these 12 powerful words.
The 12 powerful words are universal -- these words are found in practically every subject area and on practically every grade level standardized test.

Activities Parents Can Do With Their Children

Word of the Week: Have your child explain or write a one-page paper about their day utilizing one powerful word numerous times.
Lunch Box Words: Place a powerful word and other notes in with your child's lunch.
Dinner Discussions: Encourage your child to use the powerful words at dinner to analyze their day.
Parent-Student Games: Develop a "who wants to be a millionaire" type fun game, or come up with your own!
TV/Video Connection: Have your child discuss a program when it ends by having your child answer questions you ask that include the 12 powerful words.
Remember, together WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!