Together with an understanding of the structure and usage of English grammar, vocabulary is the key to gaining a sound knowledge of the language. Most learners and teachers would agree with this statement, but what is the best way to go about learning the words you need?
We’re all familiar with that feeling when something makes sense in class, but the next time you encounter it you can’t quite remember the meaning; or working hard to learn some English words and phrases one day, only to forget them the next – at times it can feel like an uphill struggle! There are seemingly so many different words for any given context; how on earth can you get them to stick in your memory ready for use at the right moment?
When it comes to learning vocabulary, different people prefer different approaches. The most common strategy is memorising. This can take the form of copying and rewriting the words and phrases you’re targeting; recording them onto a Dictaphone or mp3 player and listening back when you have the time (when travelling to work or school, for example); putting them on sticky notes left all around the house so that you see them every time you pass; or playing word games focussing on definitions, translations, synonyms or opposites. Often, revisiting the words and phrases in context is the next step to fixing them in your mind; for example, creating sentences containing the vocabulary you’ve learned, writing a story or having a conversation.
Which strategy works best for you as a learner? Do you make use of any particularly effective methods yourself? Perhaps you’ve been taught something helpful by your English teacher or read some handy tips on the Internet? There’s a wealth of ideas out there; why not share some with other learners on the telc English Facebook page? And don’t forget to check back on the discussion later in the week to see what other people have recommended!
For anyone interested in trying something new, the telc English Phrase Box offers an innovative and effective approach to vocabulary acquisition. Based on an original five-step learning system, the box contains some commonly-used phrases in everyday English at levels A2 to B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. There are some helpful instructions to get you started, and you are later encouraged to ‘personalise’ your box by adding more words as your knowledge of English increases. It’s a fun and easy way to start breaking down the language into manageable learning elements – why not give it a try?
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Be one of the first to ‘like’ our page and win a copy of the new telc English A2-B1 examination preparation booklet “From A to B” which includes 2 audio CDs to help you practice for the new dual-level examination! Five lucky winners will be drawn every week until the end of August.
Discussion Topic Preview
Look out for next week's article, which will be out on telc Current News on 5 September.