Many students get frustrated when they can’t remember a word or simply struggle to acquire new vocabulary and keep using the same words over and over. So, how do you come out of this habit? Take a look at some techniques to help you improve your English and remember new vocabulary.
Real life situations
One of the best ways to learn new vocabulary is to look around you. Whether it’s at home, in a shop, office or outdoors - there will be a lot of everyday vocabulary you might not have come across. Train your brain and name the things you can see around your room, house, when you are outside or even when you go shopping. Especially, if you don’t live in an English speaking country, this will help you think in the English language. When you come across a word you don’t know in English - write it down and later, check it in a dictionary. At the end of your day write the words down with their English translations and keep them in a notebook or store on your phone or computer. Make sure you come back to them and revise them, this way they will stay fresh in your mind.
Acronyms
Acronyms are words made up from first letters of other words to help you remember a wider range of vocabulary. For example, ASAP: as soon as possible, DIY: do it yourself or FAQ: frequently asked questions. Who says you can’t make acronym for yourself to help you remember new words? To do this, try to group words together under a category, such as ‘kitchen’ or ‘nature’. Then, put your words into categories and see if you can make another word with their first letters. For example, for category ‘kitchen’ you can say: PRAWN - P: plate, R - rolling pin, A - apron, W- whisk, N- napkin. There are tools to help you find a suitable words from individual letters - wordfinder.yourdictionary.com is a good website.
Context
Put your new words into context, make sentences with the new words you learnt to help you remember their meaning. It’s not enough to just remember the word but it’s important to practice it in context. That way you will remember it better and it will also help you use the word again. Make simple sentences in English using the words you’ve learnt.
Practice
Now it’s time to use your new words in conversation. Similarly to the sentences you’ve written down, make up spoken sentences with your new words. If you’re not sure how to pronunce them, google has the pronunciation button which you can use and practice repeating it a few times. If you have a chance to practice with a native speaker, do so. If not, read your sentences out loud - this will greatly help you with your pronunciation and memory.
What are you waiting for - start learning new words now!
I’m interested to see what new words you’ve learnt. Please comment below to let me know, ask questions and tell me if these techniques are working for you.