Apply etymology as a daily diction discipline using etymonline.com (CCSS L.8.4.c-d)

Look up etymology of unfamiliar or interesting words encountered in reading and drafting (60 seconds per word using etymonline.com). Note 2-3 sibling words sharing the root. Use the etymology to enrich sense of meaning. Apply etymology-informed diction to capstone word choice — at least 3 capstone places where the writer can name the etymological rationale for word choice.

Mastery threshold

85%

Min instances

Typical minutes

Spaced intervals (days)

1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60

Prereqs

Apply 10 academic-synthesis Greek/Latin roots/affixes to decode unfamiliar academic vocabulary (CCSS L.8.4.b)

Successors

Common misconceptions

Treats etymology as antiquarian curiosity rather than diction discipline.
Looks up etymology but doesn't note sibling words (misses the cumulative-vocabulary benefit).

Exercise pool (3)

Diff	Stem	Type
2	Apply the 4-step etymology routine to 3 words from your annotated reading log: (1) notice; (2) look up at etymonline.com; (3) note 2-3...	etymology routine
3	Trace the etymology family for the word 'authority.' At etymonline.com, list the root, the parent language, and 4+ sibling words sharing...	etymology family
4	Audit 3 diction choices in your capstone draft using etymology. For each: note the word, look up etymology, decide whether to keep or...	diction audit etymology