This is a worked example that helps students build mental models of vocabulary words. It includes examples/non-examples as well as pictures.

1. Word Squares

2. Word squares will help you...
 Understand what words mean because you'll
know what other words they describe
 Understand how words are used

3. What word squares look like
Epic
adjective
relating to a long poem about a
hero's accomplishments; majestic,
heroic, larger-than-life
Things that are epic Non-examples

Star Wars 
staying at home watching TV

powder days at Alta 
blue jeans

Lord of the Rings 
CosmoGirl magazine

Canyonlands National Park

4. How to make a word square
using the vocab word “chaste”

5. Step 1: Divide a paper into four
pieces so it looks like this:

6. Step 2: In the upper lefthand
corner, write the vocab word, part
of speech, and definition.
CHASTE
noun
pure, innocent,
modest, decent

7. Step 3: In the lower lefthand corner,
give AT LEAST THREE examples of
things that are chaste.
CHASTE
noun
pure, innocent,
modest, decent
Things that are chaste

nuns

fresh snow

rabbits

8. Step 4: In the lower righthand corner,
give AT LEAST THREE examples of
things that are not chaste.
CHASTE
noun
pure, innocent,
modest, decent
Things that are chaste Things that are not chaste

nuns 
Pamela Anderson

fresh snow 
dirty clothes

Hannah Montana 
Britney Spears

9. Step 5: Draw or paste a picture
of something/someone chaste
CHASTE
noun
pure, innocent,
modest, decent
Things that are chaste Things that are not chaste

nuns 
Pamela Anderson

fresh snow 
Tarnished silver

Hannah Montana 
Britney Spears

10. When you do your own,
include...
Vocab word Picture
Part of speech
Definition
Examples Non-examples

11. Assignment
Create a word square using one of the
following words:
 Conspicuous  Rustic
 Acclaim  Subtle
 Begrudge  Turbulence
 Contempt  Vagabond
 Formidable  Shrill
 Indignation  Mundane
 piety  incessant