Think about how you record your English vocabulary….
Do you just write down new words as you hear them and then struggle to find them again when you need them? Is your vocabulary in a messy A-Z book? Is it difficult to remember how to use the words?
Instead…..
try grouping words and phrases which are connected by meaning. Look at my example below (phrases to talk about evening activities) and notice how it is recorded.
- It shows that the same verb (go) can be used in lots of ways.
- Prepositions (e.g. for), articles (e.g. the) and word endings (e.g. ing) are in bold to make me notice the differences in each phrase.
- Opposites are noted (stay in # go out) to extend my vocabulary set
- Alternatives are recorded (TV / telly) to give me variety in my speaking
- A real situation is added – In my example I have decided that evening activities are usually used for inviting people or talking about plans
- Grammatical structures are noted so I know how to use this structure with other verbs (Do you fancy + ing?)
- Natural examples are written down in full sentences (I feel like just staying in and watching telly)
- I’ve circled my favourite phrases to remind me to use them in my next English conversation!
These 8 mini techniques will make your vocabulary notebook sooooo much more useful!
What do you think of these ideas for recording English vocabulary?
If you like the idea, buy a notebook today and start recording your English vocabulary like this. It will help you extend your vocabulary set, help you easily find and remember words and help you produce lovely full sentences! Let me know if it works for you by commenting below 🙂
Fancy trying one of my online courses to improve your communication?
I’d love to help you improve your English even more! Have a look at my courses and see if one of them suits you: https://www.nickitheenglishteacher.com/courses/
16 Responses
Hi Nicki, hope you are well. Your provided techniques are coming in use in my life effectively. I’m trying my best to improve my potentiality to get English proficiency vigorously. Please keep me in your prayer & stay in touch. Take care of your health.
I’m so pleased you are finding these techniques useful Kumed! It sounds like you are working very hard so I wish you lots of luck with your English. You will get there!
Thanks a lot & pray for me. For your good health.
It will. Thank you very much.
Great to hear! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Hello teacher, I think your tips work very well and i shall use them in themes on topics.For example : at the bank, at the airport, and as you show “evening activity” and so on.
I am from Bulgaria and live in Plovdiv. May be you know that this is a 5th ancient vibrantly town in the world and in 2019 it will be the Culture Capital in Europe together with italian town Matera. Opening ceremony will be in 11-13.01.2019. I would like to invite you to come to Plovdiv and see me and Plovdiv. I promise i shall improve my engish till january.
I am sorry i could not hear your voice because i was listening to another program at this moment.
I’m so happy that these tips are working for you Kalinka – you’re right, they can be used with all your sets of vocabulary.
It’s great to hear more about Plovdiv too. I actually remember an email you sent me about it becoming the culture capital next year, you must be very pleased about that
I already have travel plans for next year but it’s sweet of you to invite me! I hope you keep it as an incentive to continue improving your English as you’re bound to have lots of English tourists there! Nicki
Wooowww Nicky, l’m so glad about your Tricks and advices, i don’t want to lose time and i start to work on it. Thanks for sharing your marvelous acknowlage and experience, they are very useful for us. Take care and God bless you. Keep in touch!!
Ah thank you for your kind words Jimy. I’m so glad that you are staying motivated and using my lessons! It’s always great to get your feedback and comments 🙂
Wonderful suggestion, I’m going to use it at school with my classes.
That’s great Laura! I hope your students find it useful. Thank you for the feedback 😊
Hi Nicki!
Yes, I like the idea to group the words by topic and I use it.
It’s a brilliant way to recap.
That’s great to hear Kalinka! I’m glad that technique is working for you 😊
I want speak English fluently
Hi Niki, I really like your idea – outlining the important phrases in a different color. Grouping the topics and using the verbs in this way is very useful for me. Thank you for your efforts to help in such a useful way.
Thank you for this feedback Kalinka, I’m so pleased you found the technique useful 🙂