Expanding Vocabulary Through Contextual Learning

Suja

A robust vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high band score in “Lexical Resource”  in the IELTS exam. While memorizing word lists might seem like a quick fix, contextual learning is a far more effective and engaging approach.

Here's why and how you should consider it:

Why Context Matters: Learning words in isolation often leads to forgetting them quickly. Understanding words within context, however, helps you remember them and use them accurately. When you see how a word functions within a sentence or paragraph, you gain insights into its full meaning and how it is used both appropriately and naturally.

Practical Tips for Contextual Vocabulary Learning:

  1. Read Widely and Actively:
  • Engage with diverse reading materials—news articles, novels, academic journals, and blogs. While reading, highlight or note down unfamiliar words and learn how they are used.
Create a Vocabulary Journal:
  • Instead of just writing down new words, include the sentence in which you found the word. This helps reinforce its meaning and usage.
Use Words in Your Writing:
  • Practice incorporating new vocabulary into your writing. Start with sentences, then move to paragraphs and essays. This reinforces your understanding and helps you recall words more easily.
Engage in Discussions:
  • Discuss topics that interest you and try to use new vocabulary. Speaking about different subjects with peers or in a study group can help you remember words better.
Watch and Listen:
  • Watch movies, TV shows, or TED Talks in English. Pay attention to how words are used in different contexts and try to mimic the pronunciation and usage.
Contextual Flashcards:
  • Use flashcards that not only have the word but also a sentence using that word. This method helps you remember the word within its context.

Join the Vocabulary in Context Class to gain tips and master the vocabulary needed for IELTS. Through interactive lessons, real-world examples, and tailored practice sessions, you’ll gain the confidence to use new words accurately and effectively.

For more advanced students, consider a speaking class within context. Join A Topic-A Lesson to enhance your vocabulary as you speak around a topic.

本コラムは、講師個人の立場で掲載されたものです。
コラムに記載されている意見は、講師個人のものであり、カフェトークを代表する見解ではありません。

コメント (0)

ログインして、コメント投稿 ログイン »
Premium ribbon

出身国:

居住国:

教えるカテゴリ

講師の言語

英語   ネイティブ
マレー語   不便を感じない
タミール語   日常会話程度
中国語   カタコト

Suja講師の人気コラム

  • 英語/英会話

    10 different ways of saying I AM HUNGRY!

    Are you hungry? How many different ways have you heard someone say ‘I am hungry’? Here ...

    Suja

    Suja

    2
    25671
    2017年5月23日
  • 英語/英会話

    Reading News Articles

    Reading a news article serves as an excellent learning aid to acqhire new vocabulary and see how th...

    Suja

    Suja

    0
    9966
    2017年6月7日
  • 英語/英会話

    Learning English Watching Clips

    If you're a movie-lover, an interesting and enjoyable way of picking up a language is through watch...

    Suja

    Suja

    4
    8974
    2017年5月30日
  • 英語/英会話

    Repeated Readings

    Repeated readings help you to familiarise yourself with words that are used frequently and recognis...

    Suja

    Suja

    0
    8073
    2017年7月1日
« 全講師コラム一覧へ戻る

お気軽にご質問ください!