The Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries and the Houghton Mifflin Company have published (2003) a book titled 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know.

It’s an interesting list. Some words are used in science (chromosome, gamete, mitosis, quasar), some in history/politics (antebellum, gerrymander, laissez faire, oligarchy). Others are useful to understand modern society (notarize, plagiarize). Interestingly, there are a significant number of words that may be used to insult your less-enlightened friends. (churlish, feckless, supercilious, unctuous).

Do high school graduates know these words? Probably not.

The same group has similar books for high school freshmen, college graduates, and those of us who, despite formal education, still struggle with the English language.

No, I’m not getting paid to advertise these books. I just thought the lists were worth sharing.

UPDATE: KSL radio ran a news segment (13 June) on this topic, and quoted yours truly. An audio version is also available.

Posted in Communication, Education