A guide to Tier 1, 2 & 3 vocabulary

One influential framework in vocabulary instruction was developed by Isabel Beck and her colleagues. Beck’s model categorises words into three tiers, helping educators identify which words to teach and how to approach vocabulary instruction to maximise learning. This guide will explain the tier structure and provide examples of each tier to help apply this model in educational settings. We will also integrate some insights from Averil Coxhead’s work on academic command verbs to further enrich the approach.

Isabel Beck's three-tiered vocabulary system organises words based on their frequency, complexity, and use in different contexts. The tiers help educators prioritise which words to focus on during instruction:

1. Tier 1 vocabulary: Basic, everyday words that students are likely to know.
2. Tier 2 vocabulary: High-frequency words used by mature language users, often appearing in academic texts.
3. Tier 3 vocabulary: Low-frequency, subject-specific words found primarily in specialised fields.

Each tier serves a different role in language development, allowing educators to scaffold vocabulary learning effectively.

Tier 1 vocabulary consists of basic, common words that children usually acquire through everyday interactions and exposure. These words are typically concrete, easily understood, and require little explicit instruction because students encounter them frequently in spoken language. Examples of Tier 1 words include:

• Dog
• Happy
• House
• Run
• Water

Tier 1 words form the foundation of language but are not usually the focus of direct vocabulary instruction in classrooms, especially beyond early primary school. However, for those learning English as a second language (EAL) or students with limited language exposure, some Tier 1 words may still need reinforcement.

Tier 2 vocabulary consists of words that are more sophisticated and commonly found in written texts, including literature, academic discussions, and formal speech. These words are crucial because they enable students to articulate more complex ideas and improve reading comprehension. Unlike Tier 1, Tier 2 words are less likely to be used in everyday conversation but frequently appear across different contexts. Examples of Tier 2 words include:

• Adjacent
• Beneficial
• Consequence
• Diverse
• Emphasise
• Inevitable
• Motive
• Obvious
• Precise
• Significant
• Tendency

Teaching Tier 2 words is highly beneficial because they are versatile and can be used across various subjects. Beck highlights the importance of direct instruction for these words, as students may not encounter them naturally outside academic contexts. Effective teaching includes using these words in multiple contexts, engaging students in discussions, and encouraging repeated use.

Averil Coxhead’s work on academic language, particularly her Academic Word List, complements Beck’s Tier 2 approach by identifying command verbs that frequently appear in academic tasks, such as:

• Discuss
• Evaluate
• Justify
• Summarise

These command verbs are crucial in helping students understand task requirements and engage deeply with content across subjects.

Tier 3 vocabulary consists of low-frequency words specific to fields of study or content areas. These words are often technical or specialised, appearing primarily in textbooks, scientific articles, and other subject-specific texts. Examples of Tier 3 words include:

• Photosynthesis (Science)
• Quadratic (Mathematics)
• Baroque (Art History)
• Isotope (Chemistry)
• Amendment (Social Studies)

These words are typically taught around specific lessons when relevant to the subject matter. Tier 3 words require direct and explicit instruction, often accompanied by definitions, diagrams, or contextual examples, to help students grasp their meanings.

Bedrock Learning is a leading platform that bases its vocabulary curriculum on Isabel Beck’s tiered model, with a particular focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 words. Bedrock Vocabulary prioritises Tier 2 vocabulary, building a comprehensive curriculum around the most common ~2,000 Tier 2 words, recognising that these words are essential for academic success and language proficiency. The platform uses a structured approach to teach these words through engaging, interactive lessons that promote repeated exposure and usage.

Bedrock Learning also addresses Tier 3 vocabulary by embedding subject-specific words within its Mapper platform, ensuring that students are not only prepared for general academic language but are also equipped with the specialised vocabulary required for success in individual subjects. By systematically teaching these words in context, Bedrock helps students connect disciplinary literacy and new vocabulary to their existing knowledge, enhancing comprehension and retention.

Isabel Beck’s tiered vocabulary model provides a structured approach to building a vocabulary curriculum. Bedrock Learning's approach to teaching the most common Tier 2 words and embedding Tier 3 words within subject-specific content ensures that students are equipped with the language skills necessary for both academic achievement and everyday communication. This comprehensive strategy fosters a deep understanding of vocabulary that supports learners in becoming confident and effective communicators.