Step 1. Read, read, read! Most vocabulary words are learned from context. The words you are exposed, the better vocabulary you will have. While reading, pay close attention to the words you do not know. First, try to figure out its meaning from the context. Then look the words up. Read and listen to the material difficult for you to be exposed to many new words.
Step 2. Improve your skills in context. Research shows that the vast majority of words are learned from context. To improve your context skills pay close attention to 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, practice, practice. Learning a word will not help much if you forget quickly. 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 in a form that can then be reviewed. As soon as you learn 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. They are as many associations and connections as possible. Say the word aloud to activate your auditory memory. Relate the word with the words you already know. For example, the word colossal (very large) has a similar meaning to the words gigantic, huge, large, etc. You can make a sequence of small, medium, large, huge, huge. List as many things as 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 "gigantic creature would destroy me and then eat me!"
Step 5. Use mnemonics (memory tricks). For example, consider the word awful (very bad). Think EGG REACH U.S. - I guess you made a mistake so serious that they are throwing eggs at us and a rotten egg came to the U.S.. These fun little word pictures will help you remember what words mean, and it's fun to compensate. Also, find out which suits the learning style is best. Everyone learns differently!
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 thesauruses on their tool bars. Find and search for any word that is not absolutely sure. Use a thesaurus when writing to find the word that best fits.
Step 7. Play 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. Also, try out the Franklin Electronic Dictionary that features built-in 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 whom will send you a word a day by email.
Step 9. Take the vocabulary tests. Games, like the ones on this site, test your knowledge will help you learn new words and also let you know the progress you are making. Online sources for vocabulary tests include Sat prep books (we recommend "10 Real SATs" by ETS) and Reader's Digest section of the speech. 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 how to say what they really mean and discover the pleasure of being able to express in writing. Your future may depend on how rich vocabulary. A good vocabulary will make a difference on standardized tests like the SAT and GRE, that could determine whether, or when you go 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 affair. Remember: "In the beginning was the word." Until we have a word for something, does not exist for you. Name, and having made your reality richer.
