I recently got to curl up on a nice big sofa to read for hours! The book’s title is: The Ruinous Sweep by Tim Wynne-Jones – and I’m really enjoying it. I even talk about it in this podcast episode:
Here’s a picture of the cover art of the book:
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The novel is fast paced and full of suspense. I’m loving it – and taking notes about how the author, Tim Wynne-Jones keeps me turning the pages! (He does it well!)
Best of all, I’m learning new words!
The Secret to Learning Vocabulary In English
That’s right! You is possible to learn new words and enjoy it!
And that leads me right into today’s tip – a tip that matters if you’re taking the CELPIP exam or just simply wanting to develop your English skills: Enjoy what you’re reading or listening to!
The myth: to learn new vocabulary words you need to use a special course book that has been designed by professional English teachers and English book publishing companies.
A second myth that you must destroy: learning vocabulary needs to be boring to be done correctly.
Both of those are big fat myths. That means they’re not true.
What To (really) Do To Build Your Vocabulary In English:
- Find a book or audio resource that interests you. Your goal is to find something you actually love to read or listen to in English.
- Challenge Yourself: This one can be tricky becasue you need to be careful to choose a book that’s not too easy, but not so hard that it overwhelms you.
- Fun! Make sure you’re having fun as you read! Like you are eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. If you’re listening to something make sure you are feeling engaged with what you’re listening to. If you’re not interested in what you’re reading or listening to, ditch it and find something else.
- How to build vocabulary: Look up interesting new words on Google or in your dictionary. Next, write it down in your vocabulary journal (or start one if you don’t have one!) Write down the word + what it means + write that new word in a sentence of your own creation. Next: try to use it in your day-to-day activities. (Your goal: Use your new word 7 times in a day. This will make that word become part of your vocabulary. )
Join your local library!
Become a member of your local library. If you’re already in Canada, becoming a member of your local library is easy. Best part of libraries, in my humble opinion, is that if you don’t like the book you picked, you can easily take it back and get a different one. (Some fun info about libraries in Canada.)
In conclusion:
Learning vocabulary should be fun. It should be happening as you do something that you enjoy doing already – like reading a great book or listening to a fascinating podcast.
I hope this helps you as you build your English vocabulary!
Are you reading a good book or listening to a great podcast right now? Comment below, I’d love to hear about it!
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