Academic Vocabulary Word Search, Scramble and Crossword Puzzle

I made this academic vocabulary puzzle set for my Year 5 students during our test prep unit. The kids could do the work but had no idea what words like "explain," "describe," or "compare" meant on the directions. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like hypothesis, evidence, theory, research, data, variable, conclusion, analysis, synthesis, abstract, empirical, methodology, cite, peer review, and plagiarism. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the direction words finally stick.

The PDFs are six pages. Three puzzles, each with its own answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after break. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about the difference between "explain" and "describe." The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple tick and pencil drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for Year 5 through Year 6. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write a sentence using the word "infer" on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.