Building English Vocabulary

Extending your English vocabulary is an important part of academic success. Most International secondary students begin their studies with a limited number of English words but this  gradually grows through the course of their studies. Students who make vocabulary extension a part of their personal study plan will generally achieve better school results.

Being able to use words with confidence to explain, describe and discuss means you can answer questions with greater accuracy and present more detailed information in your responses. There are several ways of building vocabulary.

It is important that second language learners recognize the need to allow extra time to develop English vocabulary. Reading and listening are two things that you do everyday at school and at home. When you hear or see a word that you are not sure about, or you have not seen before,write it down or record it in a vocabulary book. Check the meaning of the word either with your teacher or a dictionary. Record the meaning of the word as well this will help you to remember it when you see or hear it again.

You can also make lists of technical words that are used in specialist subjects. You may build a list of words for chemistry, physics, biology or geography. Recording these words in a vocabulary book means you remember them better and you can easily check their meaning at any time. Constructing vocabulary trees is another way to extend the number of English words you can use with confidence. Vocabulary trees group associated words  together.  You may build a tree with words associated with cooking; kitchen, spoon, knife, oven, plate etc. grouping words together in this way also helps you to remember them.

Building your English vocabulary is important if you want to achieve the best results throughout your secondary studies. Make it a part of your study routine.