For English beginners,memorizing new words is necessary but difficult,and long lists of words and heavy vocabulary books make the effort seem impossible.They are puzzled why they try to memorize words with great efforts but forget them easily.That's why there are often inquiries about how to memorize new words.In fact,learning new words needn’t be that difficult; here are some tips to help.
Read aloud
Speak the word while memorizing it.We too often separate the process of new word memorization from pronunciation.In fact,these two can be combined and each will enhance the other.Vocalizing the word to ourselves helps activate aural (hearing) memory,which helps the memory.The sound of a word not only helps us recall the spelling but also familiarizes us with the word.The more familiar we are with the word,the greater chance we will have to keep it for the rest of our life.
Understand word formation
When studying new words,try to identify prefixes or suffixes that are often used to change or add to the root word's meaning.Take for example the word "courage.” We can add the suffix "-ous" to make the adjective "courageous,” the prefix "en-" to make the verb “encourage,” or the prefix “dis-” to give it an opposite meaning.
There are many books available that teach students how to use prefixes and suffixes to help memorize new words.However,don't overuse this method and rely too much on prefixes and suffixes.Since they appear frequently,we can learn them without dedicating exclusive time to them.
Memorize words in groups
Never memorize single English words,make as many associations and connections as possible.Relate the word to terms we already know,either as a synonym or antonym.For example,the word "gargantuan" (very large) is similar in meaning to words “gigantic,” “huge” and “large.” Make a sequence of words:“small,medium,large,gigantic and gargantuan.” Create a mental image of the word that involves strong emotions.Think,"The gargantuan whale is going to swallow me whole!"
Learning English words requires action.Complaining about how difficult it is to memorize new words will be of little help.So,take action now.Have a try with 10 words a day and you will see what a difference it makes in your English learning. For English beginners,memorizing new words is necessary but difficult,and long lists of words and heavy vocabulary books make the effort seem impossible.They are puzzled why they try to memorize words with great efforts but forget them easily.That's why there are often inquiries about how to memorize new words.In fact,learning new words needn’t be that difficult; here are some tips to help.
Read aloud
Speak the word while memorizing it.We too often separate the process of new word memorization from pronunciation.In fact,these two can be combined and each will enhance the other.Vocalizing the word to ourselves helps activate aural (hearing) memory,which helps the memory.The sound of a word not only helps us recall the spelling but also familiarizes us with the word.The more familiar we are with the word,the greater chance we will have to keep it for the rest of our life.
Understand word formation
When studying new words,try to identify prefixes or suffixes that are often used to change or add to the root word's meaning.Take for example the word "courage.” We can add the suffix "-ous" to make the adjective "courageous,” the prefix "en-" to make the verb “encourage,” or the prefix “dis-” to give it an opposite meaning.
There are many books available that teach students how to use prefixes and suffixes to help memorize new words.However,don't overuse this method and rely too much on prefixes and suffixes.Since they appear frequently,we can learn them without dedicating exclusive time to them.
Memorize words in groups
Never memorize single English words,make as many associations and connections as possible.Relate the word to terms we already know,either as a synonym or antonym.For example,the word "gargantuan" (very large) is similar in meaning to words “gigantic,” “huge” and “large.” Make a sequence of words:“small,medium,large,gigantic and gargantuan.” Create a mental image of the word that involves strong emotions.Think,"The gargantuan whale is going to swallow me whole!"
Learning English words requires action.Complaining about how difficult it is to memorize new words will be of little help.So,take action now.Have a try with 10 words a day and you will see what a difference it makes in your English learning.