Activity Overview
Another great way to engage your students is through the creation of storyboards that use vocabulary from A Tale of Two Cities. Here is a list of a few vocabulary words commonly taught with the novel, and an example of a visual vocabulary board.
A Tale of Two Cities Vocabulary
- marquis
- carousing
- menagerie
- inexorable
- munificent
- sanguine
- caste
- ruminate
- Bacchanalian
- unimpeachable
- deriding
- finesse
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in A Tale of Two Cities by creating visualizations.
- 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.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
Activity Overview
A Tale of Two Cities Vocabulary
- marquis
- carousing
- menagerie
- inexorable
- munificent
- sanguine
- caste
- ruminate
- Bacchanalian
- unimpeachable
- deriding
- finesse
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in A Tale of Two Cities by creating visualizations.
- 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.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
How Tos about Vocabulary for A Tale of Two Cities
Organize a collaborative vocabulary review game for your class
Encourage students to work together and reinforce key vocabulary by turning review into a fun, interactive game. This approach helps boost engagement and makes learning memorable for all students.
Divide students into small teams
Form groups of 3–5 students to foster teamwork and ensure everyone participates. Small teams make it easier for each student to contribute ideas and support one another during the game.
Assign each team a set of vocabulary words
Give each group 3–4 words from your A Tale of Two Cities vocabulary list. This keeps the activity focused and manageable for students and allows for more in-depth discussion of each term.
Instruct teams to create clues or visual prompts for each word
Ask students to write clues (like definitions, synonyms, or context sentences) or draw quick visuals that hint at each word’s meaning. This step encourages deeper thinking about vocabulary.
Host a classroom quiz or guessing round
Let teams present their clues or visuals to the class. Other teams try to guess the vocabulary word. Award points for correct answers to boost friendly competition and celebrate learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary for A Tale of Two Cities
What are effective vocabulary activities for teaching A Tale of Two Cities?
Visual vocabulary boards are an engaging activity for teaching A Tale of Two Cities. Students select key words, define them, use them in sentences, and illustrate their meanings using scenes or images related to the novel.
How can I create a visual vocabulary board for A Tale of Two Cities?
To create a visual vocabulary board, choose three vocabulary words, find their definitions, write example sentences, and illustrate each word with relevant scenes or images. Tools like Photos for Class can help find suitable pictures.
What are some common vocabulary words taught with A Tale of Two Cities?
Common vocabulary words include marquis, carousing, menagerie, inexorable, munificent, sanguine, caste, ruminate, Bacchanalian, unimpeachable, deriding, and finesse.
Why use storyboards or visual activities for vocabulary lessons in high school literature?
Storyboards and visual activities help students connect words to context, improve retention, and make vocabulary learning more interactive and memorable, especially for visual learners.
Can students work in pairs or individually on A Tale of Two Cities vocabulary activities?
Yes, these vocabulary activities can be done individually or with a partner, allowing for flexible classroom management and increased student engagement.
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