What is the best way to learn new vocabulary words?

Question

The best way to expand or learn new vocabulary is to be someone who reads often. There are several techniques that can help. The first is to write down any unknown words that you come across. You can use a dictionary or any online dictionary website that will give you the definition, pronunciation, and usually a sentence for how the word is used. Secondly, you can continuously write down all unknown words creating a resource that you can refer back to and "study." There are online resources that allow you to practice new words in a game format. The app Bluster is a fun and engaging way to practice vocabulary. It does require some effort on your part, but new words can be mastered.

Answer 1

There are different ways to learn vocabulary. The best way depends on different factors. The two major factors that it depends on are the subject and your learning style that best fits you. Typical study skills advice recommends writing them down on a flashcard and reviewing them or folding a notebook paper and writing the word on the left hand side and the definition on the right hand side and covering one of the sides of the page and seeing if you can say the word or definition without looking at the covered side. This is only a first step. The important next step is what to do with the flashcard(s) and/or sheet(s). How you are studying them is important. The best way to study them is to understand the etymology of the word (root of the word), the spelling, pronunciation (how you say the word), and a personal connection, i.e. how can you relate the word to everyday life or a personal interest or hobby.

Answer 2

I love this website when it comes to learning vocabulary!

https://freerice.com/home

There are many different resources and it donates rice!

Additionally, I think using many different tactile ways to engage with the vocabulary will help internalize the language. This includes reading it context, writing the word in your own sentence, finding synonyms, putting a definition into your own words, looking up images, drawing pictures, and using the word in a conversation.

Answer 3

How can an e-reader help you learn new vocab?

Answer 4

The best way to learn new vocabulary words is to be curious. Employ some strategies to figure out the word's meaning such as using context clues (words or phrases around the unfamiliar word that provide clarity), using root words or affixes (such as "geo" meaning "earth" or "bio" meaning "life" AND prefixes and suffixes), and by paying close attention to how the word is used in the sentence (is it a noun, verb, adjective, etc.).

After acquiring what you think is the meaning of an unfamiliar word, verify its meaning by looking it up. Once you have an understanding of the word, write it down in a vocabulary notebook and include a few example sentences using the word. Next, you must use the word. Try to incorporate it into your conversations, in your journal writing, or other writing. If you are more of a visual learner, try showcasing unfamiliar words around the house. Use a dry erase marker and write it on a mirror or window. Draw a picture to showcase the word. You can also use the record feature on your phone to record yourself using the word. Finally, share what you are learning with a family member or friend. You might just teach someone else a new word!

Answer 5

Practice, practice and more practice. But before getting to the practice, tutor and student must go through a few steps. More succinctly, I go through a few short steps with a new student.

1. We discuss what vocabulary words are most important to learn at this time.
2. Together, we research the definition and pronunciation of these words. I reinforce the memorization of these words by taking my student through exercises using the student's senses and strongest learning styles.
3. We, finally, put these new vocabulary words into practice using her/his senses that will make the retention of these words fast and easy. Equally important is that these words are used in a context that is pertinent and practical in the student's current life.

Answer 6

Both experience and research suggest to me that there is no "best" or "one-size-fits-all" way to learn vocabularies. However, depending on your learning style, some ways may be "better" than others for you. If you learn best visually, try associating new words with vivid images. If you learn best by hearing, try rhyming. Of course if you want to approach vocabularies systematically, start with root-words, then add prefixes and suffixes. But reading books is still the most organic and probably most fun way to expand your vocabulary. So my best advice is, to paraphrase Shakespeare, "Know thyself and to thine self be true".