Thursday, January 8, 2009

Ten Tips to Build English Vocabulary

Feeling overwhelmed trying to memorize so many vocabulary words? It doesn't need to be a daunting task! Check out these top strategies and practical pointers that can help you build your word power!

  1. Connect: It's easier to memorize words based on a common theme. Make your own connections between words and possibly organize them in a spider diagram.
  2. Write: Practically using vocabulary can help it stick in your mind. Write sentences with new vocabulary words or compose a story using a group of words or expressions.
  3. Draw: Expose the artist in you by drawing pictures related to the words you study. Your drawings can help trigger your memory in the future.
  4. Act: Get your moves on by acting out words and expressions you learn. Or, imagine and act out a situation where you would need to use them.
  5. Create: Design flashcards in English and study them in your spare time. Each week make new ones, but continue to review all of them.
  6. Associate: Assign different colors to different words. This association will help you recall vocabulary later.
  7. Listen: Think about other words which sound similar to the words you're learning, especially complex words. Associate the other words with this new word to help you remember the pronunciation.
  8. Choose: Remember that topics that interest you will be easier to learn. Therefore, carefully select words that you will find useful or interesting. Even the process of making the choice is a memory aid!
  9. Limit: Don't try to memorize the dictionary in a day! Limit yourself to 15 words per day, and you'll gain confidence instead of feeling overwhelmed.
  10. Observe: Keep an eye out for the words you're studying when reading or listening to English.


Source:
http://www.englishtown.com/Sp/article.aspx?articleName=149-vocab&etag=None-art149-vocab

No comments: