Step 2. Improve your skills in context. Research shows that the vast majority of words are learned from context. To improve your ability to pay close attention to context, how words are used. Doing a search on a word dejanews.com (to search newsgroups) give many examples of how the word is used in context. Play our daily vocabulary test context.
Step 3. Practice!. Learning a word will not help much if you promptly forget. Research shows it takes 10 to 20 repetitions to realize a part of a word from your vocabulary. Help write the word - definition and a sentence that make use of the word - perhaps a token that can then be reviewed. As soon as he learns a new word, start using it. Check your cards periodically to see if you've forgotten some of the new words. Also, do a search on a word dejanews.com (to search newsgroups) for many examples of how the word is actually used.
Step 4. Are as many associations and connections as possible. Say the word aloud to activate auditory memory. Relate the word with words you already know. For example, the word huge (very large) has a similar meaning to the words gigantic, huge, large, etc. You can make a sequence of small, medium, large, and huge. List as many things is possible that could be considered giant, Godzilla, the circus fat lady, the zit on your nose, etc. Create pictures of word meaning that involve strong emotions. Think "giant creature that I am going to break and then eat me!"
Step 5. Use mnemonics (memory tricks). For example, consider the word awful (very bad). Think EGG REACH
Step 6. Get into the habit of looking up words you do not know. If you have a dictionary program on your computer, keep it open and practical. America Online and other Internet services have dictionaries and thesauri in their toolbars. Find and search for any word that is not absolutely certain. Use a thesaurus when writing to find the word that best fits.
Step 7. Playing with words. Play Scrabble, Boggle, and crossword puzzles. These and other word games are available for the team, so do not rely on a partner to play. Moreover, Franklin Electronic Dictionary prove that incorporates features of word games.
Step 8. Use vocabulary lists. For the serious vocabulary student, there are many books that focus on the most common words on standardized tests like the SAT and GRE. There are also many interesting word sites on the Internet, many of which will send you a word a day by email.
Step 9. Take vocabulary tests. Games like those on this site, which test your knowledge will help you learn new words and also let you know the progress you are doing. Online sources for vocabulary tests include Sat prep books (we recommend "10 Real SAT" by ETS), and the section of the Compendium of speech reader. For more information, check out Amazon.com or your local bookstore.
Step 10.Get excited about words! Come to appreciate the sometimes subtle differences between them. Do you know the difference between something that denotes something more and something that connotes something else? If not, go look it up. Learn to say what it really means and discover the pleasure of being able to express in writing. Your future may depend on the wealth that his vocabulary is. A good vocabulary will make a difference on standardized tests like the SAT and GRE, that could determine whether or going to college. Also determine the quality of your communication. So be in it for the long pull. We will build your vocabulary be a lifelong issue. Remember: "In the beginning was the word." Until we have a word for something there for you. Name, and you have made your reality richer.
