Survival Vocabulary

The following 100 words are part of what is sometimes called “survival vocabulary” for daily life in the U.S. Young people who are learning English as a new language need to become familiar with these terms. But even fluent English speakers will find it interesting and challenging to create poetry using these unique and essential building blocks. Involve students in making your own set of homemade magnetic poetry with these key “survival” words.

The list begins:

1. admission

2. ambulance

3. apartment

4. bank

5. breakfast

For more details, get your copy of The Poetry Teacher’s Book of Lists.

And if you already have the book and would like to offer additions, corrections, or other input, please do so in the COMMENTS area. Thanks!