Introduction
As you get enrolled in University, you are faced with several challenges; especially if you are an international student, the biggest challenge is your conversation skills. English is a secondary language for such students. Let’s look at six surefire ways to get through these obstacles by enhancing your vocabulary.
Read Voraciously
Reading is the key. Once you start reading regularly, you will realize its impact on your vocabulary. Not only does it make you fluent, but it also introduces new words to your dictionary. Make sure you are reading in an audible voice. In this way, you will also be hearing what you are reading, and you will be using two senses simultaneously is your sight and hearing, increasing your learning speed. Regular reading also makes it possible for you to write fluently.
Once you get fluent in the language, you will even write my essay without errors. Do not panic if you don’t understand some words. Also, make sure you do not start with complex text as it can be difficult for you and may even deviate your interest. Try to read more explicit materials that are more understandable and on your level, but at the same time, avoid reading to primary content and more of what matches your level. Here is a list of exciting novels for English language learners:
- To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee
- Lord Of Flies By William Golding
- Empty World By John Christopher
- Fantastic Mr Fox By Roald Dahl
- The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night By Mark Haddon
Dictionary is Your Best Friend
Add a dictionary to your bookshelf. Having a dictionary is extremely important in building my vocabulary if you are to learn the meanings of different words. Generally, people use dictionaries to search for definitions of complex words if they come across in a paragraph. But you don’t have to especially look up in a dictionary only when you find a problematic word in order to improve your language skills. You can start by reading and memorizing 10 or 20 words a day from the dictionary in order to counter your lack of vocabulary.
Dictionaries help you get the exact meaning of a word. They also help you with spelling and alternate definitions. If you’re interested in knowing the synonyms and antonyms, you can always look up a thesaurus as well. Following are some of the most authentic dictionaries globally:
- Robert Cawdrey’s A Table Alphabetical (1604)
- BE’s New Dictionary Of The Canting Crew (1699)
- Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary Of The English Language (1775)
- Oxford English Dictionary (1884)
- James Redding Ware’s Passing English Of The Victorian Era (1909)
Install a Dictionary on Your Gadgets
While it is true that carrying a dictionary with you round the clock can be a daunting task, you can always install a dictionary gadget on your smartphone. If you have a couple of MB’s to spare in your electronic device, installing a dictionary would be the best option. Not only does it improve your language, but it is also easy to carry around and help with writing. Whereas ordinary dictionaries are precise and compressed, one of the major advantages of e-dictionaries is that they come with extra features like reverse-lookup and mind mapping. Following is a list of some of the most authentic electronic dictionaries:
- Merriam Webster online dictionary;
- Ninjawords
- Onelook
- The free dictionary
- com
- com
- Thinkmap visual thesaurus
Once you start using such apps and pdf’s in routine, it is only a matter of time before you see your vocabulary improve.
Learn New Words Everyday
Simply reading words, or looking them up in the dictionary, is not enough. If you aim to improve your vocabulary, you will need to learn new words and use them as much as possible in your daily routine. You can start by picking up a random expression every day and learning it, and soon, you will realize how your word bank adds up. Try to be creative with your newly discovered words, and for instance, you can do this by writing them down.
When you write down a word, it almost becomes impossible for you to forget. You can even say it aloud and write its meaning to make it easier for you to use it in future sentences. You can also pick up a word and make alternate sentences to understand how to use it in different ways.
Once you have command over the word and understand its meaning, you can use it in your conversation. Try to replace simpler terms with richer vocabulary so that your sentences have depth. Try to converse in English with your friends as much as possible, and you can even discuss the problematic words or new vocabulary with them. This creates a bigger thinking space and helps you understand and use the word better in your daily routine.
Write Everyday
If you intend to remember all the previously learned words, you will need to jot them down. Keep a rough register, where you put all your essential terms and their
meanings along with a couple of sentences. That includes those words. Writing generally helps in growing your vocabulary.
Maintaining a daily diary is an excellent way. To improve your command of the language. When you write down the details of your day in the English language, you will realize that you are gradually learning new words every day. Not only will you become fluent in speaking, but it. It will also be easier for you to hold conversations with fellow mates.
Use College Preparation Tests
To improve your language skills, you can also take the College admissions examination. These are some tests that high school-aged students take. Such tests determine your Readiness for college. As you surf the internet, you can find various online websites that take college preparation tests free of cost.
College preparation tests include four main subjects, namely English maths, reading, and science. Total command over your writing skills ultimately means that you can Ace your English reading and science subject quickly, securing your admission chances.
Conclusion
Enhancing your vocabulary may be challenging, but it is not as difficult as it seems if you are consistent. Following a set of rules and calculating them in your lifestyle will significantly help you achieve your desired vocabulary. I hope you find this article resourceful in improving your English language skills.
Author of the article:
Darren Barden is a writing coach. Darren is working on new campaigns as well as re-jigging and putting a slant on work in progress. He is able to write short, mid, and long-form copy for truly omnichannel campaigns such as: OOH, TV, digital, social networks, print, and more for WriteMyEssayForMe.
