A question I’m asked constantly: Ma’am, how do I improve my word collection?
Collecting words is no big deal. What is a dictionary for? The rub is remembering them, remembering what they mean. To a group that remembers the names of a million songs, the 10-digit phone numbers of a million friends, the bios of a million stars and starlets, this should be a breeze. But I don’t have the heart to tell them the truth: Guys, you are not interested. You’re looking for a quick fix to pass an exam.
I tell them: anyone who is on a mission to add to his active/passive vocabulary is expected to read. Newspaper editorials, for instance. Or a James Joyce novel. When you come across a new word in a novel, guess its meaning in the context. If it fits, continue to read. If in doubt, check with a dictionary. Among the meanings given, pick one that is most appropriate. Read again and see how well it sits in the sentence. The next opportunity you have, use the word in conversation or writing. Show off. Feel good about it. And keep reading.
Sadly, this looks like a long haul. READ? Ohhhhhh, yawn… Any tips, ma’am?
Here they are:
[1] Make a list of at least 10 unfamiliar words per day – you will come across these words in papers, books or in a dictionary.Put them down on a piece of paper. Read once in the morning, with meanings. Tuck it in your sleeve or pocket. Every hour or so, peek into it. After about 5 times, recall the words with meanings.
[2] Write a set of words with meanings on a paper. Memorise. Get someone at home to ask you the meaning of randomly selected words.
[3] Memorise 5 words at a time. Put them in sentences of your own. This is the best way to remember them. Use them in your conversation. Put them in your writing. I’ve been reading Sherlock Holmes. You know the number of words you will learn there?
[4] Take 20 words at a time. In two columns, write the words on one side and the jumbled meanings on the other. Match.
[5]Take 20 new words. Write the words and write a definition for each.
Ex: jibe – to make fun of someone in a friendly way. After writing, check with a dictionary.
[6] Play “ask-answer” with friends. Instead of names of film stars, use new words for this quiz.
[7] The plain old Indian method – just learn them by rote and trust your memory to recall when needed.
Hope this helps.
The tips given were really good. May be you can add my tip to them.
Take a chart and cut it into small cards. Write the new word and meaning on one side and the example for it on the other side. Do it similarly for as many words as you want. Keep these cards in your purse or bag. While traveling in bus / during breaks / whenever you get few minutes, take those cards and go through it.
If you write the word in one card and meaning in other card, you can play matching words with their meanings yourself / with your friends.
I did this when I was in school / college.
Hi, Thanks for stopping by. And thanks for adding that excellent suggestion for improving vocabulary. Kids are sure to benefit from this activity.
Geeta.