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Good writers and speakers have a broad depth of language, including an extensive vocabulary. Improving your vocabulary is the best way to grow as a speaker and writer in any language.
Reading
The easiest way to learn vocabulary is by reading, which gives you the meaning of words in context. Pay attention to words you don't know as you read, and write them down. Try to figure out what new words mean from the context in which they are written, and then look the words up to determine if you were correct or not.
Repetition
Use new words that you come across on a regular basis. Look for ways to use new vocabulary throughout the day in your speech and writing. It helps to write the words down repetitively as well. Quizzing yourself with index cards and saying words aloud to yourself also helps.
Connecting
Make up word associations and connections. Relate new words you learn to other words you know. To help yourself remember the meaning of a new word make up a silly sentence to put the word into context.
Referencing
Download a dictionary application on your phone so you can look up words you don't know as soon as you come across them. Save the URL of an online dictionary on your computer and keep a hard copy dictionary on your bookshelf at home and in your office for easy access.
Playing
Play word games to help you expand your vocabulary. Games such as scrabble, crossword puzzles and Boggle are great vocabulary enhancers. The Franklin Electronic Dictionary also has built in word games that are fun to play and introduce new vocabulary.
Studying
There are vocabulary lists to help you study for academic tests such as the SAT and GRE. Many internet sites have lists of vocabulary you may need to know for come academic tests as well. Go through vocabulary lists, write the words down on paper, and quiz yourself or have friends and family quiz you.
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