June 8, 2010

Simple Ways To Build Your English Vocabulary

by Kelli A. Holifield

When learning English as a second language, adding as many new words to your vocabulary is essential. It is possible to learn more English words by doing some exercises and activities that can help you increase your vocabulary. For you to be able to study new words, you must get to understand its meaning, make time to practice saying them, and be able to use them in sentences and conversation. Here are some tips on how to learn more English words so you can get to improve your English communication:

1. Create English vocabulary lists. When you create a vocabulary list, you can make specific categories or themes like 'office' or 'clothing'. Add new words to your lists daily. Find out the meaning of the word with the use of a dictionary. Try to use the new words that you have on your list in a sentence and practice how to pronounce it properly.

2. Use pictures as a learning aid. Adding visuals to your study of English words can help tremendously in increasing your vocabulary as each word will be associated with a picture. You can get pictures by cutting some out from magazines or newspapers and placing the word or phrase that describes it underneath. This activity will help you memorize and know when to use these new words.

3. Buy or create flashcards. You can buy or make your own vocabulary cards of common and not so common English words. Flashcards are another kind of visual aid that can help you memorize the words faster. When you practice English using flashcards, you will be able to read a word instantly and spell it correctly. Make sure to note down how to say each word on the card correctly so you will be able to use it as for your pronunciation practice.

4. Listen to radio or watch TV in English. Tune into English programs on the radio or television so that you can become comfortable with how the language is spoken by native speakers. Even if you don't understand all of the words at one time, you should be able to pick up the context of the words by the expressions and tone of the actors and actresses. Simply listening to the language will also help you become comfortable with the general rhythm and structure of sentences in English.

5. Learn slang words and expressions. There are some English words, phrases and sentence that cannot be translated literally. You would have to learn about these expressions and sayings. There are some words that are slang and cannot be found in an ordinary dictionary. You can use a slang dictionary to find out the meaning of such words.

6. Play English word games. Playing word games is a fun way to build your vocabulary. Challenge your friends to a game to a game of Scrabble or Boggle so you can get to learn from them and practice your mind. Do a crossword puzzle or a word finder when you are alone to be able to even better your English skills with a game.

Building your English vocabulary is easy when you complete a variety of English vocabulary lessons and learn how different words can be used in different contexts. Take the time to work through English vocabulary training guides, build vocabulary lists and learn more English words easily with these essential tips.

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