10 Tips For Improving Your Level of Vocabulary.

Since comprehension is the ultimate goal for language learners, the importance of vocabulary development cannot be overestimated. A robust vocabulary improves all areas of communication — listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Vocabulary is critical to a student’s success for these reasons:

(a) Vocabulary growth is directly related to all levels of achievement.

(b) The size of a vocabulary predicts your ability to read and the variety and level of materials available to you.

(d) Expanding your knowledge of words provides unlimited access to new information.

(e) Building a strong vocabulary over time can allow you to better communicate your thoughts, verbally or in writing, to avoid confusion and to achieve clarity.

Why is a strong vocabulary important?

You need good communication skills to interact effectively with others, whether it be in person, through email, social media, or by other means. Knowing which words to use and when to use them is an important part of being a strong and effective communicator.

Building your level and variety of vocabulary is one easy way to improve your overall communication skills. Having a large vocabulary can help you to choose the right word or phrase needed for the situation, allowing you to easily convey your ideas, concerns, decisions, and more.

A strong vocabulary can also increase your confidence and your ability to express yourself, whether you’re giving a presentation, making new friends, studying, or meeting with a client. When building your vocabulary, it is important to incorporate both general terms, common phrases, and those related to your industry to develop a solid foundation.

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How to improve your vocabulary and writing skills

You can try these ideas to build your vocabulary:

1. Learn the roots of words

To build a strong foundation for your vocabulary, it’s helpful to understand the roots of words. Many words have a common root and a prefix or suffix that helps you determine what the meaning might be. For example, when a word includes the root “duc,” a Latin word that means “to make or lead,” you can assume that the root refers to that Latin definition. You’ll see this root in words like “produce” or “deduce.”

2. Focus on practical terms and words

Some industries/applications have different definitions for words or use entirely new words, which is called jargon. If your coworkers and others in your field use technical jargon, try focusing on building your vocabulary to incorporate these words. For example, some industries use the word “stand-up” to mean a short daily meeting.

You can also look for clearer ways to express yourself instead of relying on cliches that may be difficult for others to understand or skew your meaning. For example, instead of saying "Get your foot in the door" you could use "Expand your opportunities.

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3. Create word associations

Word associations can help you remember certain words or phrases. For example, the word “enormous” means very large. Try creating a sequence with the word, such as tiny, small, medium, large, giant, and enormous. Forming associations can help you recall words you’re learning with more ease. These associations can also ensure you remember the word long-term.

4. Complete regular vocabulary tests

At the end of each week, create a quiz that includes the vocabulary words, root words, or other language aspects that you’ve been studying. Taking a quiz or test can increase your ability to retain new words. Every time you learn a new root or word, create a flashcard. On one side of the card, write the word, and on the opposite side, write the definition. You can practice recalling the definition from the words and vice versa.

Tests can also be found online at a variety of different websites or you can invest in an appropriate English book from your local book store.

5. Improve your writing

As you build your vocabulary, you can also improve your writing skills, which will benefit you in your professional life. This can be done in different ways such as:

(a) PEER CORRECTING. Find another student of a similar level of English and correct each other’s writings.
(b) Enlist the services of a suitably qualified native or C1/C2 level teacher for private classes.
(c) Enrol in Advanced level classes in a local language institute.
(d) Join an online writing group/forum that offers support to its members.

Take note of any changes or suggestions that they make, learn from them, and then implement them into your future writing activities.

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6. Create words groups

As you learn new words, you can group them together by meaning. By creating these groups, you can identify patterns that make it easier to incorporate the words into your daily speech. For example, you might learn words like affirmative, efficacious and decisive, which all mean positive. By grouping these words together, it becomes easier to recall their general meanings and how to use them in speech.

7. Identify word nuances and variations

Some words have alternate definitions in different contexts. An example of nuance is the word “frame,” which could have several meanings depending on the scenario. A frame could be a border that surrounds a picture or window, or it could mean to outline or highlight a certain physical quality. Identifying and understanding these nuances in language will help you better know how to use the words you’ve learned in your communication with others.

8. Identify words with the same or similar meanings

Different words often share the same or similar meaning. You can create a list of word groups to help you construct new and unique statements in your writing and speech. Some words have similar meanings but don’t always substitute for one another, so it’s helpful to review definitions of similar words before using them. By varying the word choices in your communication, you’ll sound more polished and professional.

9. Be diverse in what you read

Most people spend at least some of their time reading every day. Diversifying your reading choices can help you build a stronger vocabulary since you see new words from different writers who have varying writing patterns. Adding new texts and options to your reading list can also help.

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10. Write, edit and rewrite

When you finish writing any text, review your content for repetitive words or phrases. Consider using your expanded vocabulary to replace words you used frequently throughout the document. By editing your own writing, you can improve clarity, style, and tone.

I hope that you found these tips helpful for your future studies.

Good luck and good studying.