ANOTHER WAY TO LEARN VOCABULARY

Do you want to know how to study vocabulary words effectively? First, get a list of them. A vocabulary word list is a group of words that belong to a certain subject.
Here are some examples:
   • A list of common verbs (go, run, have, etc.)
   • A list of weather adjectives (rainy, sunny, cloudy, etc.)
   • A list of family nouns (mother, father, sister, brother, etc.)
   • A list of color adjectives (white, black, blue, red, etc.)

Now, you start studying these word lists as follows:

1. Make up example sentences with each word on the list:
Just reading the word or memorizing it is not enough, at least not in most cases. But using the new word in sentences of your own, can really take you one giant step forward. Try it yourself, and see the results.

For example, let's say you are learning the word "run" (which means "to move using your legs, going faster than when you walk"). You can make up some example sentences:
   • "Can you run as fast as Mike?"
   • "I had to run to catch the bus."
   • "He ran home in tears to his mother."

2. Use the words in a story:
Take the list of words and write a short story with all of them. The story doesn't even have to make perfect sense. This can actually be fun and humorous. Check out the following example:

Let's say you are studying some verbs beginning with the letter E: earn, eat, end, enjoy and estimate.

You can write a short story such as this:
"Cindy was eating dinner and enjoying a quiet evening, when she started thinking about her future. She estimated the amount of money she must earn. This ended her enjoyment."

3. Write the words on flashcards and practice daily:
Vocabulary flashcards are special cards that you use to memorize data. They are called that way because the cards are flashed (shown quickly) to the learner. There are several things you can have on a flashcard: a word in English, a word in your own language, a photo or an illustration.

For example, you can prepare a set of cards with "food words". Write the English word on one side of the card, and on the other side put a picture, or write the translation in your own language.

4. Use dictations to help you memorize spelling:
Make a dictation. You can do it all by yourself. Simply follow this process:
   1. Write the words (usually no more than ten at once) on a piece of paper. Use two columns: one for English, and one for the translation in your language.
   2. Fold in the piece of paper so that you can only see the translation in your own language.
   3. Take another piece of paper and write the English words that match  the translated words. Don't look at the answers! The point is remembering by heart.
   4. When finished, compare the English words you have just written to the ones on the original paper.
At first, you might not do so well. Don't worry about it. After a few times you won't believe how much you have improved!

5. Practice the words in a conversation with a friend:
What are good friends for? Grab a friend, tell him or her what you need, and start practicing! Make a conversation, and try to use as many new words as possible. The conversation doesn't have to make sense. The important thing is that you improve your vocabulary and have some good laughs on the way!