Learn Key Vocabulary

Rate and Study the Words Rate how well you know each word. Then:

  • 1. Pronounce the word. Say it aloud several times. Spell it.

  • 2. Study the example.

  • 3. Tell more about the word.

  • 4. Practice it. Make the word your own.

Rating Scale

  • 1 = I have never seen this word before.

  • 2 = I am not sure of the word’s meaning.

  • 3 = I know this word and can teach the word’s meaning to someone else.

Key Words
earthquake (urth-kwāk) noun
photograph of workers standing on a pile of earthquake rubble
An earthquake shakes the earth and causes many problems for people. Here you see what an earthquake can do to an area.		emergencies (ē-mur-jen-sēz) noun
photograph of a dog swimming and rescuing a young girl
People need help right away during emergencies. SAR dogs can help during water rescues and other emergencies.
life (līf) noun
photograph of a man and a dog sniffing the ground by a tree
A person who is alive has life. This dog sniffs for clues to help save a life.		rescue (res-kyū) verb
photograph of two rescue workers and two rescue dogs
When you rescue people, you save them from harm. These dogs helped rescue people after the attacks on September 11, 2001.
police officer (pō-lēs o-fi-sur) noun
photograph of a police officer and rescue dog
A police officer makes sure laws are followed and helps when there is an emergency. This police officer has a dog who also helps.		Practice the Words With a partner, make a Vocabulary Study Card for each Key Word.
Write the word.
illustration of the front and back of a vocabulary word study card
Tell what the word means and use it in a sentence.
Use the cards to quiz your partner. Take turns answering.