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Are you looking to boost your vocabulary in English? Expanding your word bank can be a rewarding journey, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

In previous blog posts we have examined 6 tactics that focus on how to study and learn vocabulary efficiently and also 12 simple tactics that help advanced English learners learn vocabulary.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a 5-step strategy to methodically build your vocabulary, one word at a time. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Write down the meaning of the word in English

The foundation of learning any word begins with understanding its meaning. When you come across a new word, write down its English definition. For example, let’s consider the word “assessment.” The meaning is “the process of evaluating or examining something.”

Step 2: Use the word in a sentence (in context)

To truly grasp a word’s usage, it’s essential to place it in various contexts. Take “assessment,” for instance:

• “The assessment was easy, so I think I will pass.”
• “In the field of law, assessments are often used to evaluate legal disputes.”

Remember that a word can have different meanings depending on the setting. If we take the word assessment again, it may have a slightly different meaning in education, law, or in a biology, let’s say, setting. Here, it can help crafting sentences that are relevant to your daily life, work, or hobbies. This makes the word more relatable and memorable.

Step 3: Explore Derivatives

Many English words have derivatives, which are related words or forms of the original word. For “assessment,” derivatives might include “assess,” “assessor,” or “reassessment.” Understanding how the word can be modified and extended provides a deeper insight into its usage.

Step 4: Focus on Pronunciation

Effective communication goes beyond knowing a word’s meaning and usage; it also involves pronunciation. Pay attention to the word’s syllables, stress, and sounds. For “assessment,” it’s pronounced as “uh-SESS-ment” (/əˈsɛsm(ə)nt/) with stress on the second syllable. Use pronunciation guides and listen to native speakers to perfect your pronunciation.

Step 5: Find Collocations

Words often form strong associations with other words. These word pairs or groups are called collocations. For “assessment,” common collocations include “self-assessment,” “risk assessment,” “performance assessment”, “initial assessment”, etc. Understanding these word partnerships enhances your fluency and ability to use the word naturally in conversations.

By following these five steps consistently, you’ll be well on your way to methodically building your English vocabulary. Remember, the key is practice, persistence, and consistency. Incorporate new words into your everyday conversations, reading, and writing. Over time, you’ll find that your vocabulary has expanded, making your English language skills even more powerful.

So, start today and embrace the journey of language learning, one word at a time. Happy learning!