How To Build Up Your Vocabulary

How To Build Up Your Vocabulary

When learning a language, besides knowing its grammar, which are the rules of the language, having an adequate knowledge of vocabulary is just as important since you cannot communicate effectively without knowing the words that make up the language. For English, a good command of vocabulary is essential in handling examination components like Cloze, Comprehension, as well as Composition. How then can we improve one’s vocabulary?

An effective way is through reading. Make frequent trips to the library, which has a wealth of reading material, to borrow books that interest you. By reading, you will be exposed to a variety of new words. When you encounter words you do not understand, do take the time and effort to look up their meaning and understand how they are used. In this way, you will be able to increase your vocabulary bank.

Also, be aware of your surroundings in your everyday life. Look at street signs, advertisements, signboards and even menus. See if you know how to read the words as well as understand their meaning. In this way, you will see how language is used daily life and how useful it is for you to build up the vocabulary.

However, just being exposed to new words is not enough. You must make it a point to use them so as to be able to remember them better. You can do this by sharing stories with your parents, siblings or friends. By using the words you have learned to communicate with others, you are reinforcing your knowledge of their meaning. If you have used the words wrongly, your parents or others might be able to correct you. Also, by having conversation with others, you will be able to pick up new words and learn how they are used.

Besides speaking, you can also reinforce your knowledge by doing vocabulary exercises. Seeing words in their written form will help you to remember their spelling as well. Hopefully, with the help of these tips, you will be able to improve your vocabulary and become more competent in English.