- guessing from context
- ignoring them because you can still understand the overall meaning
- using knowledge of old words to figure out new ones (e.g. mortal to mortuary)
- referring to a dictionary
- asking someone
The first thing to consider is how you want to record the vocabulary. There are several methods including:
- keeping them in a table in your workbook
- creating a mind-map around a topic with all related new words
- having an alphabetical list on the computer
Another method is to use a service like Easynotecards to make flash cards that you can later play games and take quizzes with.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that you record the important elements of your new word such as:
- the word class it belongs to,
- a definition in language you can easily understand
- an example of it in use
- if it is positive, negative or neutral
- when it is appropriate / inappropriate to use that word e.g. dead compared to passed away
- how to say the word / where the main stress lies e.g. PREsent compared to presENT
- related words (e.g. love, lovable, love-starved, lovelorn etc.)
- a visual image of the word
- a funny idea that it makes you think of
Once you have recorded your words in a suitable way, think about how often you will need to review them and how you can test yourself. Use your new word list when you are writing to improve your command of language and expand your practical vocabulary.
