Do you want to improve your command of the English language? Many students of English as a Second Language (ESL) reach a point where their English does not improve. They have learned the basics they need to function in an English-speaking society, but not the extensive vocabulary that would help them speak and read more fluently. Sometimes it’s hard to get past this point. Here are some ideas on what to do to increase your English vocabulary.

one. Keep your own personal word list file.

As you find words you don’t know, write them on your list, look them up in the dictionary, and write the definition. Organize words by categories. For example, you could have categories for Food, Sports, Politics, Crafts, Action Words, Technology, Descriptive Words, and more. The process of writing the word, looking up the meaning, and categorizing makes you spend more time on the word. You will create several different images of the word in your brain, and that will make it easier to remember the word later.

2. Get both the audio and the written version of a book.

Listen to the audio while you read the book. This way you will hear the correct way to say the words. Find out if the reader is British or American. Information about the reader is usually on the back of the audio package or in the wording if you’re looking in a catalog or online. Choose readers who are from the country you plan to visit or live in. Accents between British and American speakers are different. When you are honing your ear to understand English for the first time, it will help if you choose a speaker from the country where you plan to spend time. Listen one chapter at a time. Underline the words you don’t know. Look up those words in the dictionary. Write them down in your personal word list file (see tip 1).

3. If you are in an English-speaking country, visit your local library.

Join a book club. Most book clubs meet once a month to discuss a book read by all the members before the meeting. You will benefit in two ways. First, you will read a variety of books that will use a variety of vocabulary. Second, you will be able to talk to other people about the book. You will have the opportunity to hear native English speakers speak, plus you will have the opportunity to speak. Don’t worry, if you’re embarrassed to talk, you don’t have to say much until you feel more comfortable. Most people are very understanding about how difficult it is to learn English.

Four. Read newspapers and magazines in English.

You can scribble all of this while making notes about words you don’t know that you’ll add to your personal word list. Most of the assignments are written so that an eighth grade student can understand them. However, the stories will contain great words for everyday conversations and will also keep you up to date on new words entering the language.

5. Choose books with glossaries.

This way, you can read the book while waiting in line or riding the train without having to carry a dictionary. Glossaries are included in the books to explain advanced vocabulary or a single topic. Therefore, using the glossary is likely to increase your knowledge of the words.

6. Play word games.

Any kind of pun will help. Crossword puzzles exercise your understanding of word definitions. Word searches help you recognize spelling patterns. Scrabble exercises both spelling and word recognition. Newspapers often have crossword puzzles located near the comic page. You can also buy crossword puzzle books at newsstands.

Using these ideas you can improve your English vocabulary. Get started today!

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