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5.4 Building Your Vocabulary - Coggle Diagram
5.4 Building Your Vocabulary
Key Takeaways
The best way to build your vocabulary is to read, and a stronger vocabulary makes it easier and more fun to read.
Be aware of your own lazy vocabulary and try to avoid those words and expressions.
Look for new words everywhere, not just in class readings.
Before you look up a word in the dictionary, infer its meaning based on its context and roots.
After you look up a word in the dictionary, write your own sentence using the new word. Say the word and definition out loud.
Use the new word as soon as possible.
Building your vocabulary will make your reading easier, and reading is the best way to build your vocabulary.
A good vocabulary is essential for success in any role that involves communication, and just about every role in life requires good communication skills.
The following tips will help you gain and correctly use more words.
Be on the lookout for new words. Most will come to you as you read, but they may also appear in an instructor’s lecture, a class discussion, or a casual conversation with a friend. They may pop up in random places like billboards, menus, or even online ads!
Write down the new words you encounter, along with the sentences in which they were used. Do this in your notes with new words from a class or reading assignment. If a new word does not come from a class, you can write it on just about anything, but make sure you write it. Many word lovers carry a small notepad or a stack of index cards specifically for this purpose.
Infer the meaning of the word. The context in which the word is used may give you a good clue about its meaning. Do you recognize a common word root in the word?
Look up the word in a dictionary. Do this as soon as possible (but only after inferring the meaning). When you are reading, you should have a dictionary at hand for this purpose. In other situations, do this within a couple hours, definitely during the same day. How does the dictionary definition compare with what you inferred?
Write the word in a sentence, ideally one that is relevant to you. If the word has more than one definition, write a sentence for each.
Say the word out loud and then say the definition and the sentence you wrote.
Use the word. Find occasion to use the word in speech or writing over the next two days.
Schedule a weekly review with yourself to go over your new words and their meanings.
Learning Objectives
Recognize the importance of building your vocabulary.
Master techniques for building your vocabulary.