4.1

Vocab Word:  Bemoaning

When and Where I found this word: I found this word in the Fisher & Frey Chapter 1 of Background Knowledge.

Definition, based on context: to express discontent or sorrow for something. The text describes how teachers have been found "bemoaning" how students are given many opportunities to learn how to use a strategy in school, but then do not complete a given assignment or task that is based on the taught strategy.

Familiarity: I am not very familiar with this word. I know what "moan" means and used that prior knowledge and the context to figure out what the word meant.

Reflective Commentary: I have always enjoyed learning new synonyms for words that I know. Know that I have learned what :bemoaned" means, i can begin to use it where applicable. I think that students need to learn synonyms for words that they regularly use. "Bemoaning" may not be something students need to learn now, but having the knowledge of various synonyms helps students become better writers. When I began college, my writing often suffered from repeating words that were too generic or basic. As I grew as a college level student, I found that the better work I produced included numerous synonyms that displayed a wide range of knowledge on a given topic. Students should be aware that words have synonyms (and antonyms) and they should seek to learn them and use them whenever possible.

**I could not find a picture or image that would help with this word. But it may help if you think of someone crying or whining about something.