Many instructors prefer to base their word lists off of their course textbook, while others like to create their own word lists. Our system works for both options. Before getting started, decide which word lists you'll assign and in what sequence. For example, if you're following a textbook, we recommend going unit by unit (or chapter by chapter) and creating new lists as the course progresses.

Go to the Instructor View for your organization and navigate to "Word Lists." Here you'll see the library of all word lists ever created at your institution. Click on "Create a New Word List" and give it a title (e.g., "Chapter 1" or "On Vacation").

Click "Add a New Word," type the target word, and select its part of speech. Remember that you can select several options at once (for a word like "round" that can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective, depending on the context). Lexis works best with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Function words (such as prepositions or conjunctions) are best taught in context and through grammatical exercises, so we recommend against entering them in Lexis.

Lexis asks you to specify two kinds of definitions for each word:

• First, you will be prompted to choose "technical" definitions that precisely specify which meanings of the word you want your students to learn (is it "table" with rows or columns, or "table" the furniture, or both?). These definitions can be worded quite technically, but don't worry – your students will never see them. They are used internally by the system to optimize vocabulary presentation.
• Second, you will be asked to choose or enter a definition for your students to see. Try to keep the definition you enter short, precise, and level-appropriate.

If you'd like to add a picture for an imageable word (like "lamp"), you may choose one from our database by clicking the photo icon, or you may upload your own. You can also choose or enter an example sentence. You may be prompted to select the word in context and specify the precise meaning or function of the word. Lexis will use the pictures and the example sentences you select in generating exercises for your students.

Entering words will get really quick after you've done a couple of them. Feel free to finish your list before moving to the next step.

Once you've finished entering your word list, you can assign it to your students by clicking "Assign to Learners." Your students won't see the list in their daily practice until you've assigned it, so this is an important step! Select the group to assign this list to, and choose the Start Date and Due Date for this list. (Many instructors line up the Due Date with the date of an upcoming test, or the date on which students need to know the words for use in class.)