Building Your English Vocabulary

[Rubicashrama]

Up until now, we have told you about traditional vocabulary learning and memorization techniques. Still, a key factor contributing to the success of language learners is creativity and imagination. In the following sections, you are welcome to start thinking a bit differently about how you remember the words you study in English. These strategies derive from different learning styles people use. Learning styles open new channels to learning, which not necessarily use verbal intelligence or purely academic procedures. Remember that mastering the grammar of the language is not enough to master the language. In the long run, it is your level of vocabulary and how you use it in your English writing, which determines how well you are at English. Whether you need English for personal, academic, or business purposes, always use any opportunity to acquire more and more words.

Do you like playing cards ?

1. Instead of writing endless lists in your vocabulary notebook, why not write them on cards ? Many people find playing around with cards a fun way to review words. You can write all of your lists on index cards that usually come with a box, or only opt for writing those hard-to-remember words on blank playing cards. Some learners are kinesthetic, meaning that they learn through movement (in this case, of the hands, though you could also do it while dancing or in-house cycling, if you wish). In addition to the physical action of writing and copying lists, the cards empower these learners and are plain old fun for just about anybody who will be diligent enough to prepare them.

2. Whether you are using index cards or playing cards, use one side to write the new words in English and the other side for the translations in your language. Create a deck of cards for each study unit and carry it around with you. In small playing cards, write up to 5 vocabulary items on each card. Look at your native language side and try to remember the English equivalents, and vice versa. If you manage to remember all 5 word-items, put the card in your pocket. If you cannot remember all the word-items, put it at the bottom of the deck. This way, you will remain with only the cards whose words you still cannot remember. Going over the cards over and over again is sure to help.

3. Another card option is creating an information card for words you especially want to remember, as in the below model. Having such diverse information for each word, will definitely have you remember it forever.