The English language, with its vast vocabulary, has developed over a very long time, one little bit at time. You can build your own personal vocabulary one little bit at a time. It takes time. It will take months. Every day your vocabulary will increase and you will be pleasantly surprised how much it has grown over a relatively short period of time.
Words are the building blocks of language. From words we build sentences, paragraphs and conversations. The more words you know, the greater the range of topics you can discuss and the more different conversations you can take part in. When you begin to learn a language, the huge number of different words can be a bit scary. However, you only need to know some of the words, not all of them.
Students often come to the Study Support to improve their vocabulary. Here are some useful tips for learning English Vocabulary . Which is your favourite tip? Comment below!
1.Develop a reading habit.
Vocabulary building is easiest when you encounter words in context. Seeing words appear in a novel or a newspaper article can be far more helpful than seeing them appear on vocabulary lists. Not only do you gain exposure to unfamiliar words; you also see how they’re used.
2.Use mnemonics .
A mnemonic device is a form of word association that helps you remember words’ definitions and proper uses. For instance think of the word obsequious which means “attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery.” Break down that word into components: “obse” is the beginning of
3. Get a thesaurus and dictionary
If you are looking to expand your word palette, the best thing you can do is purchase both a thesaurus and an English-English dictionary. A dictionary will allow you to learn what new words mean, as well as how to pronounce them. It will often give you an example of the word in a sentence, showing you just how to use that word in everyday conversation and work.
A thesaurus, on the other hand, will show you other words you can use that have the same meaning in your conversations and work. When used together? They are an incredibly powerful tool that can become the very basis of your wider reading and improved vocabulary.
4. Practice using new words in conversation.
It’s possible to amass a huge vocabulary without actually knowing how to use words. This means you have to take it upon yourself to put your personal dictionary into use. If you come across an interesting word in your reading, make a point of using it in conversation. By experimenting in low-stakes situations, you can practice the art of word choice and, with a little bit of trial and error, hone in on the right word for a particular context.
5. Write down new words.
Writing the actual word with the meaning will help you remember it. Keep a diary so that you will have a collection of all your new words that you can easily revise when needed.
6. Visually remembering words is very helpful.
Try writing words on small sticky notes and adding them to items around the house so that you will associate new words with their relevant images.
7. Use new words regularly so that you don’t forget them.
Write articles that people will enjoy reading or start a blog that could be about anything.
8. Correspond with an English pen friend. The best way to gain
confidence in speaking any language is by talking to a native speaker.
9. Run vocabulary tests regularly!
Testing can be fun. And you dictate when! The idea of a test to many of us is no fun. Sure, whilst you will be putting your vocabulary to practice on a regular basis with the techniques shown above, once in a while a short test will be in order. Have you actually remembered those lists you created in Step 7 a week after you wrote them out? Find out!
Or, if you prefer a slightly more general route, websites such as Memrise will throw as many words at you to test your skills as you can handle.
10. Play vocabulary games Online word memory games
: The great thing about the internet is that games are literally everywhere and there are quite a few to improve your vocabulary significantly. Alongside traditional favourites such as word-searches, you can find shooters, car driving games and flip cards, all of which will present new words to you in an enjoyable, welcoming environment. Many things .org is a site that caters to a wide variety of students, from children to adults and also has a hugely enjoyable selection of games.
11.Create your own memory games
: If a regular or mobile internet connection is an issue, do not worry! Detailed in section 7 is just how you can create word lists of similar words that will help you with your memorising of these words. Create a word-search or a crossword on your Microsoft word, or simply construct one with a pen and paper. Add in the list of words you want to learn for the day, and off you go!
12.Use the games in your cupboard
: We all have a drawer or a small cupboard where we all put the family board games. Favourites such as Scrabble and Boggle can all go some way to improving your vocabulary, and, if you have a dictionary at hand, you can learn and have some fun while laying down your letters! If you do not have any games in your cupboard? A journey down to your local car boot sale or to Amazon Retailers will provide you with one.
13.Create flash cards :
The use of flash cards is one of the most effective ways to learn new information. Add words into the mix, and you will see your rate of memory retention shoot upwards. Write some tricky, or hard to learn words onto your cards and then have a go with them, and watch your memorization shoot upwards! StudyBlue is an excellent flash card creator and you can take it with you wherever you go!
A final word
Thanks for reading this article about improving vocabulary.
It’s obvious: This blog is dedicated to how to speed read material effectively. The more words we recognise the faster we will understand a text, the more we will also be able to comprehend and retain. Mastering both is just a perfect combination.
Part of the fun of improving your vocabulary is that there are also numerous ways that you can do so.
If you require any further guidance or hints and tips to get you on your way, then write us an email or comment
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