EAL/ESL Report Comments: Vocabulary and Grammar, Secondary
Vocabulary and grammar covers the words and structures themselves, in speech or writing: everyday and subject vocabulary, word order, tenses, plurals, articles, pronouns and prepositions, connectives and longer sentences, and choosing formal or informal language for the purpose.
Below are 13 sample sentences for Secondary (ages 11-18): two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Competent / fluent / Developing competence / Early acquisition / New to English), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 186 vocabulary and grammar sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.
Jump to: Competent / fluent · Developing competence · Early acquisition · New to English · Writing tips
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Competent / fluent D
Strengths
- [Name] learns new subject vocabulary from textbooks quickly and uses it accurately in homework within a few days.
- [Name] uses pronouns precisely in longer writing, so the reader can follow who or what each sentence refers to.
Next step
- In essays, [Name] could aim for a more formal academic register by using phrases such as "this suggests that" and "it could be argued".
Developing competence C
Strengths
- In geography, [Name] uses comparatives and superlatives with growing accuracy, for example "the desert is drier than the forest".
- [Name] notices patterns in English, such as adding "-er" and "-est" to compare things, and applies them in new sentences.
Next step
- When checking homework, [Name] could highlight every verb and check that the tense stays the same across each paragraph.
Early acquisition B
Strengths
- [Name] copies subject vocabulary into [his/her/their] notes with a translation beside each word, which helps [him/her/them] recall the words in later lessons.
- [Name] understands and uses question words such as "what", "where" and "who" in short questions, with picture prompts for support.
Next step
- [Name] could label diagrams in [his/her/their] notes with English words and the home-language translation, then use three of the words in sentences.
New to English A
Strengths
- To ask for help, [Name] uses set phrases in lessons such as "Sorry, I do not know" and "What is this in English?".
- [Name] repeats short phrases after an adult, such as "I am ready" and "I need help", and is beginning to use them without a model.
Next step
- Learning the set phrases teachers use most, such as "open your book" and "work in pairs", will help [Name] take part in subject lessons.
Support at home
- Reading or listening to books that suit your child's age and interests, in English or your home language, gives your family new words and ideas to discuss.
How to write vocabulary and grammar comments for Secondary (ages 11-18)
- Separate everyday English from subject vocabulary. A teenager may chat easily with friends at lunch but still need a glossary for terms such as 'photosynthesis' or 'erosion', and families may otherwise assume no support is needed.
- Suggest a personal vocabulary book, organised by subject, with each key term in English and the home language. Reviewing it before tests and during revision gives the next step a clear routine.
- At stage D, comment on precision and register: choosing the exact subject term, using formal phrasing in essays, varying sentence openings, and understanding idioms and figurative language in literature.
Watch out: Avoid vague praise such as 'good vocabulary'. Name the words or structures, such as subject terms or past-tense verbs, so families know exactly what has improved and what to practise next.
Rate each skill separately, since many students understand more than they can say. At stage D, write about precision and range; at C, growing independence with errors still showing; at B, short phrases and visual support; at A, what the student does now and the support that helps. Show the stage through evidence rather than naming it.
What Vocabulary and Grammar covers
In these comments, vocabulary and grammar covers these behaviours:
- builds everyday and subject vocabulary
- uses word order, verb tenses, plurals, articles and prepositions with growing accuracy
- links ideas with connectives and builds longer sentences
- notices language patterns and chooses language to suit the audience and purpose
More EAL/ESL comments
- Listening, Secondary (ages 11-18)
- Speaking, Secondary (ages 11-18)
- Reading, Secondary (ages 11-18)
- Writing, Secondary (ages 11-18)
- Vocabulary and Grammar, Primary (ages 5-11)
- Language-Learning Behaviours, Secondary (ages 11-18)
- Opening and closing sentences
- All EAL/ESL skills and grade bands
- For the same report: Subject Report Comments for Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary, Stages 1-9
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How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.