Use these word problems (most of which are based on concrete, compelling, real-life scenarios) for the following purposes:

• Common Core standards assessment
• Test prep (especially standardized tests)
• Warmup / Homework / Quizzes / Drill & Review / Remediation

Common Core Standards have made these "Big Ideas" about math education more critical than ever …

1. Students excel when they can do math, and can explain what math does!
2. Language (how we use words and sounds to communicate) and discourse (verbal expression in speech and writing) are more important than vocabulary (knowledge of words).
3. Language mastery is the key to content mastery.
4. Language mastery is the key to self-expression - which develops self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-discipline.

Therefore,

5. Content mastery is predicated upon using self-expression to build self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-discipline.

Use the word problems in this collection to help your students become proficient in both analysis ("breaking words down into expressions and equations") and synthesis ("converting expressions and equations in language-based solutions"). These skills are important for success on tests, but are important most of all for success in life!

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