Ten ways to help you learn English vocabulary effectively
1. No random vocabulary
Our brains often remember what is relevant to us. Therefore, making a list or flashcards of random English words will not be an effective way to learn to remember and use those words. So the best way to keep a new word in mind is to try to associate it with something meaningful to you. That is, you will put the word in a specific context that you find interesting or associated with a hobby. For example, if you are a football fan, it will be easier for you to memorize the word “unstoppable” in a particular sentence, such as: “Messi is unstoppable”, instead of just memorizing it as a single word or in a generic sentence like: "Some people are unstoppable"
2. Learn vocabulary through passages or scenarios
We will remember vocabulary better when we study in small pieces (small paragraphs built up of a few words) and scenarios (conversations). For example, instead of memorizing the phrasal verb "to come up with" memorize the whole phrase "to come up with an idea." This way, you'll be sure you know how to use the verb "to come up" in at least one sentence. Similarly, instead of memorizing the 33 ways to say hello, learn it in a script, such as: “Hello, how are you? - I'm fine, thank you."
3. Use your inner voice
Learning is essentially an internal process, so to learn a new vocabulary you need to go into the world of your inner voice. Try the following: listen to an English word or phrase once. Then close your eyes and listen to the word in your head. Next, let the word resound in your head a few more times. Finally, read the word aloud and record it.
4. Visualize what the word or phrase looks like
Draw the definition of the word on paper or in your imagination, this will help you recall the meaning of the word whenever you hear it. This method also works well with English idioms, such as: “to keep one’s mouth shut”, which means, “to not talk about something”. In addition, you can combine this learning method with a dictionary to see more linking words or synonyms to the vocabulary you are learning and remember them in the same way.
5. Use imagination to simplify vocabulary (Mnemonics)
Try to come up with a funny phrase or story that will strengthen the connection between the word and its meaning (the mnemonic method). You find this technique especially effective when you need to recall difficult English words.
6. Spaced repetition
Repeating words hundreds of times over the course of a day won't be as effective as repeating them a few times over a period of time, which can be days or weeks (i.e. spaced repetitions). . For example, use new vocabulary immediately. Then try to recall it for an hour. Review it briefly before you go to bed. Use that word again a day later. Finally, review it in a few days.
7. Going deeper into the root word
Before you look up a new word in the dictionary, try to guess its meaning by looking at the root through the suffix and prefix. If you know a few languages, you'll start to recognize new words that share the same roots. Researching the origins of new words can help you remember vocabulary better.
8. Challenge yourself with vocabulary games
Games are always the best way to learn vocabulary, no matter what age you are. Learnenglish.britishcouncil.org will be a website that provides you with interesting challenges, you can explore and expand your English vocabulary.
9. Write down new words
Write down words that you need to memorize or put them in a specific sentence. This will help you better understand the meaning of the word and keep the spelling in your memory. You can ask your friends or teachers to help you correct the grammar or spelling mistakes in your English sentences.
10. Speak in real situations
It is not easy to actively recall an English word or phrase while you are speaking, even if you have tried your best to remember it. To change this, record what you say for 2-4 minutes without stopping. Topics can be describing the world around you or giving your opinion on a particular topic. Next, listen to a recording of your own speech and notice the words you use. Can you replace old words you already know with new ones? Give your own answers and start making a new recording with new words.