All About English Grammar & Vocabulary
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I ordered magazines such as Time mag and Newsweek. I checked the dictionary each time I came upon a difficult word and made a mental note of it. I would then try to use the words in my essays. I am not sure if flash cards are necessary unless you are sure you will refer to them in future. Another good mag to read is Readers’ Digest. Dun forget the newspapers.
When watching TV, read the subtitles so you learn new words. Even entertainment mags like 8 Days use many new words, and I learn fashionable terms.
To improve vocab, you must make a conscious effort to remember the new words and use them. That’s more important than writing the words down in a book.
Hope this helps. -
And English is not just about reading and memorising. You also need to speak good English to your bunch of friends. If you don’t have parents who speak good English to you at home, find a friend who can speak good English with you in school.
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Hi TakGol!
My good T’s advise is write it down in a book that u can carry everywhere or flash card.In the bus stop while u waiting for a bus,in mrt while you travelling place to place,just see and say.I had a list of words with meanings (often come in ST Newspaper).I follow his instruction and I got to know that I can remember in a month.He gave a sentence for each word so we can understand the meaning and know how to use.I agree with cherrygal.Once u learn u have to apply so u can’t forget.U can speak or u can write in a forum.Have a habbit to read and discuss with a friend.Find a friend who read Newspaper and talk about it.It will motivate you to read more.Good luck! -
TakGol:
I don't think it is a good idea to check every word you don't know when you read a book. It's a killjoy to reading.May I ask how do I improve my vocabulary?Also,when I read a book,should I quickly check to a dictionary and make flash cards?Please help.I am trying to do better in Sec 1.thank u
:?:
I think better to learn to guess the meaning of the word you don't know based on context. Only check those that you find a strong urge to get the exact meaning or you can't guess from context.
My son's school is using a book \"Barrons 1100 words you need to know\" In fact, I have a copy I use for myself too as I find it a great book. Just have to spend 15mins a day on a couple of exercises. The learning is cumulative. -
TakGol:
the list consists of one meaning to each word.I think better to identify the meaning in the newspaper for the word.Then write it down the meaning.We no need to worry about the other meanings.If other meanings often use in newspaper then add on.First learn one meaning then go to another.
Thank you!i used the bold sentece normally..oh and btw write all the meaning(s) even if there is only 1 word rite???smartmummy:
Hi TakGol!
My good T's advise is write it down in a book that u can carry everywhere or flash card.In the bus stop while u waiting for a bus,in mrt while you travelling place to place,just see and say.I had a list of words with meanings (often come in ST Newspaper).I follow his instruction and I got to know that I can remember in a month.He gave a sentence for each word so we can understand the meaning and know how to use.I agree with cherrygal.Once u learn u have to apply so u can't forget.U can speak or u can write in a forum.Have a habbit to read and discuss with a friend.Find a friend who read Newspaper and talk about it.It will motivate you to read more.Good luck!
My son reading storybooks from young.He never see dictionary.If asked any word he didn't know the meaning in the beginning.But slowly he knows.cos he can guess while he reading.now he has no problem in English.He never learn the meaning like me.Best way to read a lot as much as you can.Read aloud another key to improve the language. -
I don't know if anyone else has tried this, but reading the newspaper every day really helps, both in vocab and compo
It just does! -
TakGol:
Thank u.is that book expensive??
Can't remember exact price. Should be 20+. -
cherrygal:
And English is not just about reading and memorising. You also need to speak good English to your bunch of friends. If you don't have parents who speak good English to you at home, find a friend who can speak good English with you in school.
Takgol,
I agree with cherrygal. You need someone to speak well with you and I know it's very hard to find as Singlish is everywhere.
Another way to help is to listen to good English. A good reference of well spoken English will help you to know how to switch to good ennglish when the need arises. The age old advice is to listen to BBC news. If you have good attention span you can listen to audio books. My kids started on audio books at a very young age. They do not need to do assessment books for grammar and vocab thru their primary school. In fact, they didn't need to study English like a subject like Chinese because of exposure. Try to get the dramatization ones instead of narration type. For the latter, the has narrator has to have a good voice to keep you from falling asleep.
Other than vocab, you need to know how to use the words in context and listening will help. But most of all, writing is everything. In my dd and ds class. They do mostly writing thru the year and very little on grammar and vocab. The latter 2 are suppose to be taken care of mostly by yourself
through reading and exposure.
Don't worry about vocab, etc.. Just find your interest in things you want to know more about and read about it. Read to gain knowledge and for enjoyment and don't be too conscious about learning the language like a subject.
All the best! -
dovetail:
I'm with dovetail. If check every word you don't know, it will definitely slow down your reading speed. I think the best method to learn words is reading more books and guess the meaning of strange words. When you meet the same stange words many times, you will know the meaning involuntarily.
I don't think it is a good idea to check every word you don't know when you read a book. It's a killjoy to reading.TakGol:
May I ask how do I improve my vocabulary?Also,when I read a book,should I quickly check to a dictionary and make flash cards?Please help.I am trying to do better in Sec 1.thank u
:?:
I think better to learn to guess the meaning of the word you don't know based on context. Only check those that you find a strong urge to get the exact meaning or you can't guess from context.
My son's school is using a book \"Barrons 1100 words you need to know\" In fact, I have a copy I use for myself too as I find it a great book. Just have to spend 15mins a day on a couple of exercises. The learning is cumulative.
Lisa -
To improve, you really have to use the new word that you have just acquired, be it in your conversation or in writing.
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