‘Improve your vocabulary’ is one advice almost all students get from their English teachers. Honestly, for all students learning new words, working on vocabulary to improve writing is an ongoing process and for some it is actually a daunting task. Here are some tips on how to improve vocabulary!
How to improve vocabulary?
- Read to improve vocabulary
- download vocabulary apps
- Keep writing
- Maintain a word journal
- Play vocabulary related games, like Scrabble!
These are the tips we give you to improve vocabulary. It may seem boring, but trust me, it will all be worth it when you get to impress your English teacher!
1. Read, Read and Read.
Grumble. We understand!
Whether you love this suggestion or not, READING is the ultimate step of developing vocabulary. Read anything you like: novels, journals, news, e-news, magazines, comics, story books, non-fiction books and the list is endless. Ask yourself, what your interest is into. Art, animals, biographies, nature, photography, even Fortnite or Minecraft! Yes, the key is to read and understand. To be able to understand and briefly explain it to others is the secret behind good reading. Reading aloud is a great way if you are trying to get clarity in your reading skills.
If you are not at all into reading, but you are definitely interested in picking up soon, why not to start listening an audio book! Yes, an audio book do count as reading and they can do wonders to your fluency and also on vocabulary. Listening someone reads fluently and clearly is a great way to grasp information and words in a fun and relaxing way.
How about reading a book or listening to an audio book from your way back from soccer or cricket practice in car? Time spent well!! Shared reading logs with friends is also an effective way to get into the habit of reading.
2. Technology and English Language.
Ok, we understand that you are spending a lot of time on screen watching videos, playing games or spending time on social media and also getting earful from parents! So, you definitely understand technology and can handle smart devices! Let’s take technology to benefit us! There are several apps which you can download on your device, increase word power, and let your parents smile too. J
We are listing few apps and websites which will help you in developing word power using technology.
Kids’ Vocab-Mind Snacks. Kids’ Vocab – MindSnacks on the App Store (apple.com)
What’s the Word. What’s the Word? – words quiz on the App Store (apple.com)
Dictionary and Thesaurus for Ipads. Dictionary.com for iPad on the App Store (apple.com)
Word Stack- A word association brain game. Word Stack : A word association brain game on the App Store (apple.com)
3. Write, Write and Write.
Ok, boring it may sound but the good news is that you can write on any topic under the sky! Choose any topic! Even start writing your favourite recipe if you are into cooking.
Writing needs imagination. Are you imaginative? Well, only you know your secrets J Think of the excuses you have made of not doing the homework assignment on time! Put all those imagination into words. Let dictionary and thesaurus come to your rescue. Take help from parents, siblings and teachers. Take help of the vocabulary tools you have. Begin your writing journey by first incorporating creativity, adding new words and then focusing on grammar and techniques.
How about giving yourself a challenge every day? START NOW!
4. Maintain A Word Journal
It may sound bit tedious, but it works!
“If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way”
-Napoleon.
Aim to learn one new word every day. Is it too difficult a task? Trust me, its achievable.
All you have to do is to learn one new word every day and log it in your journal. For words, choose either from dictionary or a word from your reading ( remember, you are reading every single day J ). This journal will come handy when you will be on your writing assignment. Gradually, use learnt words in your daily conversation, school assignments, social media posts, daily diary etc. Soon you will have a fancy vocabulary to boast!
Thinking of where to find word of the day?
Merriam-Webster has a word of the day feature. Word of the Day: Emprise | Merriam-Webster
5. Play and Learn: WORD GAMES ALL THE WAY!
Crosswords, Scrabble, Hangman, Word searches, Boggle……..and the list goes on. Choose the one you like the best! Play with family, friends and there are several interactive apps also available to download on your device.
A small amount of daily practice will boost your word power and will take your writing to the next level.
Get, Set, Start Working!!
