PL9L1 Types of Voca

Listening Vocabulary

This comprises words that we need to know to understand what we hear. It is typically the first type of vocabulary that children learn. Listening vocabulary is larger than speaking vocabulary in early language development because children and language learners often understand more words than they can use.

Speaking Vocabulary

These are the words we use in speech. Speaking vocabulary develops after listening vocabulary and is essential for effective verbal communication. It includes words that individuals feel comfortable using in conversation, often simpler and more frequently used than those in writing vocabulary. Beginning readers need help comprehending words that are NOT part of their oral vocabulary.

Reading Vocabulary

This includes words that we recognize or use in print. Reading vocabulary is generally more extensive and complex than speaking vocabulary because it includes words that individuals may only have encountered through books, academic texts, and other written materials. As children learn to read, their reading vocabulary grows to include a broader range of terms that might not be used in everyday conversation.

Writing Vocabulary

These are words that we use in writing. It is often the most formal and diverse type of vocabulary because it involves choosing words that best fit a written context, which may require more precise or specialized terminology. Writing vocabulary is usually the last to develop and can be enhanced through activities like essay writing, text analysis, and exposure to high-quality written content.