Academic language crossword vocabulary pack

Teacher key

1. ANALYZE · 7 letters · verb · intermediate
   Examine closely by separating into parts

   Hint: Name the academic action used before explaining how the parts work together.
   Why it fits: ANALYZE fits because the verb describes breaking information into parts so its structure, evidence, or meaning can be understood.

2. EVIDENCE · 8 letters · noun · introductory
   Facts that support a claim

   Hint: Think of what a writer cites to prove a point.
   Why it fits: EVIDENCE fits because writers and researchers use relevant facts or details to justify what they claim is true.

3. CONTRAST · 8 letters · verb · introductory
   Show how two things differ

   Hint: This is the second action in the instruction “compare and ___.”
   Why it fits: CONTRAST fits because this academic verb asks a student to explain differences rather than similarities.

4. SUMMARIZE · 9 letters · verb · intermediate
   State the main ideas briefly

   Hint: Name the action that produces a short account of a longer text.
   Why it fits: SUMMARIZE fits because the task keeps the main ideas while omitting many supporting details and examples.

5. CITE · 4 letters · verb · introductory
   Name a source as support

   Hint: Think of the four-letter verb used when giving a source credit.
   Why it fits: CITE fits because academic writers name the source of a quotation, fact, or idea to support their work and give credit.

6. SYNTHESIS · 9 letters · noun · advanced
   Combining ideas from several sources into a whole

   Hint: Bring separate findings together to make one supported understanding.
   Why it fits: SYNTHESIS fits because a researcher connects evidence from multiple texts into one interpretation.

7. CLAIM · 5 letters · noun · intermediate
   A position a writer supports with reasons

   Hint: It is the central point an argument asks readers to accept.
   Why it fits: CLAIM fits because argumentative writing develops a position rather than merely naming a topic.

8. QUALIFY · 7 letters · verb · advanced
   To limit a statement so it is more accurate

   Hint: Words such as usually or under certain conditions can do this.
   Why it fits: QUALIFY fits because a writer can narrow a broad claim to match the evidence.

9. INTERPRET · 9 letters · verb · intermediate
   To explain the meaning of evidence or a text

   Hint: Move from what the source says to what it suggests.
   Why it fits: INTERPRET fits because readers use details to develop a reasoned understanding.

10. COHERENT · 8 letters · adjective · advanced
    Logical and easy to follow as a whole

    Hint: Each part connects sensibly to the next part.
    Why it fits: COHERENT fits because organization and transitions help ideas form an understandable whole.

Accept a different answer only when it matches the clue, length, grammar, and any supplied crossings. Use the reviewed answer when teaching the intended vocabulary target.