How to Memorize Vocabulary

Executive summary about Ways of Memorizing Vocabulary by Laurianne Sumerset

(EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurianne_Sumerset)

When I started with my language studies, I used the classic repeat method to learn vocabulary. I'll take a word from my language learning software and repeat it numerous times until I have retained it to memory. The next time I'm in a conversation with a native speaker, I might recognize the word and, perhaps, even find a way to use it myself, eventually cementing it into my treasure trove of learned items.

This is a perfectly valid way of getting a grasp of vocabulary, although it does suffer from two glaring problems. First, it's incredibly boring - as snooze-inducing as memorizing the names of all the presidents back when I was in grade school. Second, it's completely inefficient, with a single word taking too much time to learn (that is, if you do manage to learn it at all).

There are many creative approaches to memorizing stuff that you can apply to vocabulary mastery. If you've used particular techniques to remember facts in school, do note that you can apply the exact same things in your language studies. Did you use word associations, images or some other mnemonics? Look back at those days and try to figure out which ones worked best for you. Chances are, they're the same things that can help you best in your quest to gain a better grasp of your target vocabulary.

5 Smart Steps to Remember Vocabulary Words and Master the Test

Jennifer CWH ( in EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_CWH) suggested:

Step #1 - Buy 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and fold the paper into half. On the right hand side you will write a particular language word, whereas o the left you will write corresponding meaning. Make sure that you write clearly and in an attractive manner so that it is readable.

Step #2 - Create Vocabulary Flash Cards using 3 x 5 index cards, for every vocabulary word as this will help you to memorize the words in a better way. The front side of the index card will have the word and on the back it will have definition. After preparing the index card you will get 8.5 x 11 sheet for the vocabulary word.

Step #3 - In the third step you actually start with the memorizing process. Here you will write every vocabulary word at least 10 times on8.5 x 11 piece of paper. Keep doing it until you have completely memorized the list for your classroom vocabulary test. When you write the vocabulary words in a repetitive way you are memorizing them and keeping them fresh in your memory.

Step #4 - Draw out the 8.5 x 11 sheet that you had made in step 1, and with left side covered try to remember the meaning and definition of word. Every time you get the definition correct you draw two sheets, and if you spell wrong definition, replace the card back and draw it again to memorize the definition.

Step #5 - Finally, get along with learning partner where they will show a word, may be in a random manner or sequentially and then you will utter the definition along with correct pronunciation for that particular word.