For IELTS, you need to have a strong vocabulary. You will certainly need good words to write and speak more effectively. Your reading test and listening will also become a piece of cake if you know good vocabulary.
Importance of learning new words
Vocabulary helps you to improve your communication and gives a clear message to the listener. One should work to improve vocabulary as it gives a good impression and improves your language skills like native speakers. You just need to apply simple logic and smart skills to improve your vocabulary. Here are some of the tips and tricks that can help to improve vocabulary
Read: One of the best ways to get new words is to regularly be in touch with magazines, newspapers, novels, scientific literature, etc. You will come across various new words and also understand the usage of the word in a particular situation. It is one of the easiest methods to improve your vocabulary in free time and does not require any extra effort.
Pocket Dictionary: once you come across a new word make sure you learn its pronunciation and meaning of it. Keep your pocket dictionary handy and learn new words regularly. Thesaurus can also help you in finding alternate words, synonyms, and antonyms respectively. Understand the usage of the word in phrases.
Make notes: cultivate the habit of making notes of new words with its meaning, pronunciation, and phrases. This will enable you for quick revision and also utilize the same in your day-to-day activities. It builds your confidence and reflects your dedication towards learning new words.
Slow and Study: Do not stress and try to learn all things in a day. Cultivate the habit of learning a single word in a day. If you overburden yourself, then the chances of forgetting and losing concentration will be higher. Failure will make you lose interest in further reading and learning. Language learning websites also provide word-a-day, visit such websites regularly and learn it.
Divide and rule: It is not necessary that you need to know the meaning of the entire word. Sometimes splitting of word with suffixes and or prefixes can help you to derive the meaning of the word. Most words come from Greek and Latin elements and form part of the English language. You can find several websites that can help you learn new words (English Vocabulary Derived from Latin and English Vocabulary Derived from Greek).
Games: Crossword puzzles, anagrams, word jumble, Scrabble, etc are a good way to improve your language and have some fun time as well. These games engage you to learn enthusiastically and improve your verbal skills as well. Word-chain is another interesting game that requires you to reply with a word of the last letter of the preceded one.
Engage in Conversations: Try to have a conversation with people who speak good English. This will help you to introduce new words and usage of the word in the conversation.
Apply the above tips and tricks in your daily activities and observe the improvement in your vocabulary. Lastly, make sure you use the new words while writing and speaking, just learning may not be helpful and if not utilized the chances of forgetting are higher. Always remember “Practice makes a man perfect”.
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