Vocabulary Building Skills

Why is a strong vocabulary important?
You need good communication skills to work effectively with others in person, through email or
by other means. Knowing which words to use and when is an important part of being a strong
communicator. Building your vocabulary is one easy way to improve your communication skills.
Having a large vocabulary can help you choose the right word or phrase needed for the situation,
allowing you to easily convey your ideas, concerns, decisions and more.
You can try these ideas to build your vocabulary:
1. Read Extensively
Reading is the most effective way to build your vocabulary. Read books, magazines, and
newspapers that cover a wide range of topics, and pay attention to unfamiliar words. Help your
child look up their meanings and try using them in context. In fact, 15 minutes is recognized as
the ideal time for students to see positive gains in reading achievement; students who read just
over a half-hour to an hour per day see the greatest gains of all.
2. Focus on practical terms and words
Some industries have different definitions for words or use entirely new words, which is called
jargon. If your coworkers and others in your field use technical jargon, try focusing on building
your vocabulary to incorporate these words. For example, some industries use the word “stand-
up” to mean a short daily meeting. You can also look for clearer ways to express yourself instead
of relying on cliches that may be difficult for others to understand or skew your meaning. For
example, instead of saying “get your foot in the door,” you could use “expand your
opportunities.”
3. Create word associations
Word associations can help you remember certain words or phrases. For example, the word
“gargantuan” means very large. Try creating a sequence with the word, such as tiny, small,
medium, large, giant and gargantuan. Forming associations can help you recall words you’re
learning with more ease. These associations can also ensure you remember the word long term.
4. Complete regular vocabulary tests
At the end of each week, create a quiz that includes the vocabulary words, root words or other
language aspects that you’ve been studying. Taking a quiz or test can increase your ability to
retain new words. Every time you learn a new root or word, create a flashcard. On one side of the
card, write the word, and on the opposite side, write the definition. You can practice recalling the
definition from the words and vice versa.
5. Learn the roots of words
To build a strong foundation for your vocabulary, it’s helpful to understand the roots of words.
Many words have a common root and a prefix or suffix that helps you determine what the
meaning might be. For example, when a word includes the root “duc,” a Latin word that means
“to make or lead,” you can assume that the root refers to that Latin definition. You’ll see this root
in words like “produce” or “deduce.”
6. Create groups of words
As you learn new words, you can group them together by meaning. By creating these groups,
you can identify patterns that make it easier to incorporate the words into your daily speech. For
example, you might learn words like affirmative, efficacious and decisive, which all mean
positive. By grouping these words together, it becomes easier to recall their general meanings
and how to use them in speech.
7. Identify word nuances
Some words have alternate definitions in different contexts. An example of nuance is the word
“frame,” which could have several meanings depending on the scenario. A frame could be a
border that surrounds a picture or window, or it could mean to outline or highlight a certain
physical quality. Identifying and understanding these nuances in language will help you better
know how to use the words you’ve learned in your communication with others.
8. Identify words that share meanings
Different words often share the same or similar meaning. You can create a list of word groups to
help you construct new and unique statements in your writing and speech. Some words have
similar meanings but don’t always substitute for one another, so it’s helpful to review definitions
of similar words before using them. By varying the word choices in your communication, you’ll
sound more polished and professional.
9. Listen to Podcasts
Podcasts on a variety of topics can expose your child to new vocabulary. Listen carefully and
take note of any unfamiliar words. Look them up and try to use them in your conversations.
Check out these Podcasts to expand your vocabulary and knowledge.
6 Minute Vocabulary by BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9xz/episodes/downloads
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day by Merriam-Webster
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/merriam-websters-word-of-the-day/id164829166
The Vocab Man by Daniel Goodson
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-vocab-man-fluent-vocabulary--1932265
10. Use Vocabulary Apps
Vocabulary apps are helpful tools for memorizing and expanding your vocabulary. These apps
can help build your child’s confidence and increase your standing among your peers. Here are
some great vocabulary apps that you can download for your child today:
Word of the day
Memrise
Word to word
Vocabulary.com
Word up

Vocabulary Building Skills

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vocabulary Building Skills

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vocabulary Building Skills

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Why is a strong vocabulary important?

You might also like