Determine the meaning of domain-specific words with pictures

What are Domain-Specific Words?

Domain-specific words are words that are related to a particular subject or field. They are often used by experts or people who know a lot about that topic. You might not use these words every day!

For example, words like photosynthesis (in science), sonnet (in literature), and algorithm (in computer science) are all domain-specific.

Why are Domain-Specific Words Important?

Understanding these words helps you:

• Learn new things: When you know what the words mean, it’s easier to understand complex topics.
• Communicate clearly: Using the right words shows you know what you’re talking about.
• Do well in school: Many subjects have their own special vocabulary.

Using Pictures to Figure Out Meaning

Pictures can be a powerful tool for understanding domain-specific words. Here’s how to use them:

1. Look for pictures or diagrams that go with the text.
2. Study the picture carefully. What do you see?
3. Read the caption or labels that go with the picture.
4. Try to connect the picture to the word. How does the picture help you understand what the word means?

Examples with Pictures

Example 1: ‘Sedimentary Rock’

When you see the word ‘sedimentary rock’, think of layers. Sedimentary rock is formed when layers of sediment (like sand and mud) are pressed together over time. The picture shows these distinct layers.

Image of sedimentary rock formation (layers of rock).

Example 2: ‘Metaphor’

Image of a person running like the wind, appearing as a blur of motion.

A ‘metaphor’ is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’. For example, ‘He is a lion in battle.’ The image shows the idea of someone being fast like the wind. Although a person isn’t literally wind, the image helps visualise what a metaphor is.

Practice Time!

Look at the words and pictures below. Write down what you think the domain-specific word means, based on the picture.

Exercise 1: ‘Pollination’

What does ‘pollination’ mean?

Exercise 2: ‘Protagonist’

What does ‘protagonist’ mean?

Exercise 3: ‘Friction’

What does ‘friction’ mean?

Next Steps

Keep an eye out for domain-specific words in your reading. When you find a new word, try to:

• Look for pictures that might help you understand it.
• Ask your teacher or a classmate what the word means.
• Use a dictionary or online search to find a definition and examples.

Let’s practice!

Read the text.

Filtration and centrifugation are two techniques used to separate different materials from a mixture. Filtration involves straining unwanted materials, sometimes with the help of gravity. For example, you can pour a liquid mixture through a funnel lined with filter paper that collects unwanted solids.

Centrifugation, on the other hand, uses centrifugal force to separate materials. For example, vials of mixtures can be placed at an angle in special machines that spin at high speed. The spinning causes denser substances to move and collect at the bottom of the vial.