ample

(ample opportunity)

enough or more than enough, plenty

EXAMPLE: I asked you to clean your room an hour ago. You have had ample opportunity to do it.

at no cost

free

EXAMPLE: Everyone can get a library card at no cost. They are free to residents of this city.

below grade level

at a lower level than expected

EXAMPLE: My child's math is below grade level, so I hired a tutor to help her after school.

incentive

something that encourages you to act in a particular way

EXAMPLE: Children in the third grade who do not read proficiently are more likely to drop out of high school later. Parents should offer their children incentives to read as much as possible. One idea is to play a game together after the child reads for 30 minutes.

literacy

the ability to read and write

EXAMPLE: I volunteer at a literacy organization. Kids who need help with their reading stop by after school, and they practice reading with me.

proficient

very good at something (use to describe people)

EXAMPLE: I have lived in the United States for 5 years, and I am now proficient at English. I am ready to attend college.

analyze (verb)

analysis (noun)

(verb) to examine the details of something carefully in order to understand or explain it

EXAMPLE: After we read about global warming and carbon dioxide emissions, we analyzed why the number was different in the United States than in my home country.

attractive

interesting or useful

EXAMPLE: We want to make our literacy program more attractive to people who need help with their reading. As a result, we will stay open later at night.

effective

successful or achieving the result that you want (use to describe things)

EXAMPLE: What is the most effective way of teaching grammar? Should I use a video, worksheets, or games?

expand

(verb) to increase in size or amount, or to make something increase

EXAMPLE: Our school wants to expand. As a result, we are hiring 5 more teachers and advertising for more students.

fall behind

(verb) to not do something fast enough or by a particular time

EXAMPLE: The teacher says my son is falling behind in class. I think this is because he has not been doing his homework lately.

gap

an empty space in the middle of something or between two things

EXAMPLE: When you are driving, be sure to leave a large gap between your car and the car in front of you. This way, if they stop suddenly, you won't crash into them.

participant

someone who is involved in an activity

EXAMPLE: My son's school is having a running race. All participants will receive a ribbon, not just the winner.

peer

someone who is the same age, or has the same social position or abilities as other members of a group

EXAMPLE: Friends are extremely important to teenagers. They want to be accepted by their peers.

professor

a teacher at a university or college

EXAMPLE: My college classes started last week. I really like all of my professors.

run wild

doing what they want and no one controls them

EXAMPLE: Those parents let their child do whatever he wants, even if the child bothers others. Those parents let their child run wild.

show promise

likely to be successful

EXAMPLE: Luis takes piano lessons each week and he chooses to practice 2 hours every day. As a result, he already plays the piano beautifully. He shows a lot of promise.

take part

to be involved in an activity with other people, participate

EXAMPLE: It is important for all students to take part in class discussions. We want to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions!

appropriate

suitable or right for a particular situation or person, okay

EXAMPLE: Is this movie appropriate for young children? I don't want my children to see anything violent.