learning vocabulary essay

How to memorize vocab words and build your vocabulary

In this ultimate guide on how to memorize vocabulary, you’ll learn how to easily master new words to advance your language, subject, and career!

There are no two ways about it. The mastery of any area of study requires you to bank veritable dictionaries' worth of vocabulary. From important medical terminology, the names of major historical figures, and legal concepts, to Mandarin symbols, the conjugation of French verbs, and advanced marketing principles ... if you want to learn any subject or any language (including your own), you have to learn how to memorize vocabulary .

The more words you learn, the better your dexterity in your chosen language or subject. And this goes a long way in helping you further your education, ace your exams , and even succeed in the workplace !

So, whether you want to (1) prepare for an upcoming biology exam , (2) learn a new language , or (3) finally outsmart your girlfriend in an argument, we’re going to reveal the best ways to memorize new vocabulary!

First and foremost, the key lies in leveraging two important cognitive learning principles ...

Using SCIENCE to memorize vocabulary!

‘Active recall’ and ‘spaced repetition’ may sound like science fiction novels but they are, in fact, two really useful cognitive learning principles:

Active recall

The first, active recall , simply refers to the remembering of information from, well, memory! Rather than referring to a textbook or your study notes, actively recalling information requires your brain to sift through your mental library, find the relevant dictionary, and pluck a learned word or morsel of information from it.

For example: What is a Riesling? It’s a white grape variety, originating from the Rhine region, used to make aromatic wines.

You do this all the time without any mental effort: when remembering your phone number, physical address, or you and your spouse’s anniversary (or so one would hope).

It takes a little more mental effort to remember new information. But it’s in the process of actively recalling information that deeper neural pathways are formed, thereby helping our brain record more permanent memories.

Spaced repetition

Spaced repetition , on the other hand, is your exposure to new information again and again, at intervals that are carefully determined to optimize your learning. For example: if you were using flashcards, you might review a particularly difficult word again every four or five cards, and an easier word every 12 to 15 cards. Your repeated exposure to the information helps you learn that word more efficiently.

Make sense, doesn’t it?

Now, combine the two cognitive principles— active recall and spaced repetition —and what do you get? A totally awesome and efficient way to memorize vocabulary , whether it’s learning French , Shakespearean English, Mandarin , or complex biology, history, or finance terms.

This is precisely the crafty trick that Brainscape’s adaptive web and mobile flashcards app leverages in order to help its users, like you, on board a cornucopia of fresh vocabulary in just about any language. Through the study of digital flashcards (on any device, big or small), our intelligent spaced repetition algorithm compels students to repeat the mental retrieval of information over increasingly longer intervals of time.

And THIS is what really solidifies vocab and their definitions in HALF the time it might ordinarily take you.

With that science out of the way, let’s now discuss two steps to learning how to memorize vocabulary and the popular vocab techniques that don't work .

Here's to all the wonderful ways you can turn an ordinary day into a learning fiesta!

(That’s a “celebration” in Spanish.)

Step 1. Build your vocabulary list

The first step is easy: compile a list of words you want to learn. Here’s where and how you can do that!

1. In class

If you’re learning a language or subject in school or college, your textbook and teacher will have extensive lists of vocabulary for you to learn. This is a great resource to get you started.

2. Your readings

Keep a pen and paper handy when you read a book, magazine, or anything else really—whether for school or pleasure—and keep a list of words or complex terms you’re unfamiliar with. Then, when you sit down to study, create flashcards for these words. Words coming from real-world experience are so much more likely to "stick" when you study them later than those you just try to learn from a random list or homework assignment.

3. On "the street"

Every time you are exposed to a new word or phrase with a conversation partner, fellow student, or colleague, make a mental note to look it up and study later. This is really great for picking up on all the industry terms, slang expressions, colloquialisms, and (in the case of learning languages) swear words your formal education tragically omits!

You could do this on the fly with the Brainscape app , which allows you to login and create new flashcards in seconds!

4. Get premade flashcards

If you really want a shortcut to the good stuff, simply find premade flashcards in Brainscape’s extensive library. It's overflowing with awesome content for learning foreign languages , vocab builder flashcards for stronger English, and other subjects that require you to master a smorgasbord of different terms and concepts, such as biology , law , and medicine .

Simply get the Brainscape app on your phone and instead of trolling your ex on Instagram, learn new words and get smarter .

Step 2. Study your list to memorize new vocabulary

Now that you have your comprehensive list of words you wish to learn, it’s time to start memorizing it. Truth be told, we don’t really love the word “memorize”. It seems trivial: as though you’re only remembering new words for the sake of remembering them, when in fact each word is a tiny, essential nut or bolt in the grand dynamic mechanism that is the language or the subject you’re learning.

So, when we say “memorize” rather think of it as internalizing the vocabulary: making it a permanent resource in your mental library to use in your everyday interactions and communications. Internalizing new vocabulary, rather than parrot-fashion learning it, will save you from having to re-learn the same words in the future, which is a waste of time.

(That’s Italian slang for “do you understand?” but said in Marlon Brando’s hoarse lisp.)

Here are five tips for how to memorize your vocabulary list.

Tip 1. Make a flashcard for each word

As soon as you have been exposed to a new word or term—whether via a textbook or in conversation with someone— make a flashcard for it. You don’t have to rush home and cut out and write on a square piece of cardboard (unless you’re really Old School). Rather, use Brainscape’s online flashcards app !

Simply whip out your phone or laptop and:

• Create a class in Brainscape (E.g. “Biology 101”).
• Create a new deck (E.g. “Cellular Biology Terms”).
• Populate your deck with flashcards, creating one flashcard per new word.

For each digital flashcard, write the word (and maybe a pronunciation) on the front of the card and the definition and sample sentence(s) on the back. For example:

[See our complete guide to making & studying digital flashcards (NNL)]

Tip 2. Study your flashcards

Once you’ve created your vocab flashcards (or found some premade flashcards in our library), you can access and study them on any device, anytime, anywhere .

Just think of the possibilities: Turn that boring college commute into a Spanish fiesta of new words ... or your boyfriend’s obsession with Star Wars into an opportunity to brush up on your MCAT medical terms, while benefiting from those geeky cognitive science terms we mentioned earlier: active recall and spaced repetition.

There is a third facet to the science behind Brainscape we haven’t yet mentioned: metacognition .

As you flip through your Brainscape flashcards, you’ll be asked to rate your confidence in each new vocab word on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being “what the heck does that mean?” and 5 being “I know exactly what that means!”

Using your feedback, our savvy spaced repetition algorithm calculates the perfect interval of time to wait before showing you that card again. The lower-confidence words will show up more frequently until you become familiar with them and increase their rating. Eventually, you’ll rate your understanding a 5 out of 5 and that new vocab word will be banked!

This is spaced repetition in motion (i sn’t it beautiful? ). But it begins with metacognition, which is you asking yourself how well you knew the answer to the flashcard (or the definition of the word on it). Engaging metacognition is a super powerful and efficient way of memorizing new vocab because it forces you to pay attention, not only to the information but to how well you know that information. And this deepens the memory trace.

Just be sure to study your flashcards in both directions (word → definition and definition → word) and shuffle your cards too so that your brain doesn’t try to cheat by latching on to patterns.

Tip 3. Do the vocab exercises provided by your textbook or worksheets

There’s no point learning new vocabulary or terms without understanding how those words work in sentences. Seeing these words in motion and within the greater context of the language or the subject will help you memorize them better since your brain now attaches meaning to them.

So it’s important that, in addition to regular flashcard study, you practice the exercises in your language workbook, textbook, or course. Challenge yourself to use these new words and terms in your answers and essays so that they become a working part of your vocabulary.

Tip 4. Use the Feynman Technique

Richard Feynman was a theoretical physicist who was also rather interested in effective learning techniques. What he believed is that reciting everything you know about a subject from scratch (i.e. active recall) and being able to explain or teach it in simple terms to, for example, a sixth-grader is the true test of having mastered that subject.

This—the Feynman Technique —has become a popular method for consolidating what you’ve learned. In the context of how to memorize vocabulary, it compels your brain to actively dig into your mental bank of words, rather than just passively recognizing the right answer to a question.

How can you use the Feynman Technique to practice your vocab?

Review a specific list of a few dozen words (or, for example, open a deck of Brainscape flashcards in “preview mode” so you can see the whole deck at once). Then, cover your list or close the app and see how much you can remember from scratch, teaching it to an imaginary student ... or to a pot plant (they’re great listeners).

See more tips on how to use the Feynman Technique .

Tip 5. Use the words in your daily life

You’ll know you have truly internalized a new word when you’re able to use it in your written and/or spoken communication. So, in addition to practicing those flashcards and workbook exercises, and teaching the words out loud to your Delicious Monster plant, try to use the words and terms in your conversations with peers, colleagues, and teachers, and in your written work.

Popular memorization techniques that don't work as well

At this point, you are fully equipped with the tools you need to memorize new words and build your vocabulary. But before we unleash you upon your studies, let’s discuss the efficacy of a few popular learning techniques that unfortunately fall short:

1. Mnemonic devices

“Betty eats cakes and uncle sells eggs.”

This is how I learned to spell the word “b-e-c-a-u-s-e” in first grade.

Mnemonics are memory devices that help learners recall larger pieces of information. While they’re kinda cute, they can be confusing and time-consuming because they require you to remember TWO things: the cute association and the word’s meaning. Why bother? Rather keep it simple with flashcards, where you can repeatedly drill the actual concept and not some superfluous meta-concept.

2. Vocab games

Vocab games are designed to encourage your enthusiasm for learning, but there are other, more effective ways to improve your motivation . The main problem with vocab games is that they don’t present words to you in a way that teaches you how to use them .

Rather, they work off of recognition and patterns. Without engaging your powers of active recall, metacognition, and spaced repetition (like Brainscape does), any learning you glean from vocab games is really surface level.

(See why active recall is the secret to learning faster .)

3. Audiotapes

One might think that listening to a language is an amazing way to fill otherwise unproductive time, such as when commuting to work or at the gym. But the problem with any audio-only solution is that it involves passive learning .

Without any real interaction with the language, you won’t learn as quickly. Additionally, audio programs cannot be tailored to your specific needs and you may end up spending excessive amounts of time listening to words you already know perfectly because they’re mixed in with the words you don’t know so well.

Worse still, you can only learn the words as quickly as the voice on the tape can speak, which can be frustratingly slow. So while audio tapes are better than nothing during your downtime, they are not a panacea for quickly building a vocabulary.

“Panacea” is a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases (go make a flashcard for that)!

4. Word-of-the-day calendars

Ugh, really ? It takes thousands of new words to significantly improve your vocabulary, whether it’s for a language or a complex subject, like anatomy. But there are only 365 days in a year. Plus, once you’ve seen a word and chucked away the page, you can’t study, practice, and review it the way you need to in order to permanently remember that word.

Word-of-the-day calendars are cute gifts, but little else (unless you make a flashcard for each new word you learn!).

How to memorize vocabulary like a boss

Memorizing (or rather internalizing) new words and vocabulary is a fundamental aspect of learning a new language , mastering your native tongue, and becoming fluent in the lexicon of any subject .

The best way to build a more comprehensive arsenal of words is by engaging your powers of active recall, spaced repetition, and metacognition , as we have discussed in this “how to memorize vocab” guide.

Brainscape’s intelligent and adaptive learning flashcard app leverages all three of these cognitive principles, while also being fun and engaging to use. So, heed our advice, use our app, and profit from the fruits of your labors with higher grades, better conversations, smoother transactions, and directions to the bathroom that you can actually follow .

You’re welcome.

Armstrong, R., Arnott, W., Copland, D. A., McMahon, K., Khan, A., Najman, J. M., & Scott, J. G. (2017). Change in receptive vocabulary from childhood to adulthood: Associated mental health, education and employment outcomes. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders , 52 (5), 561-572. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12301

Chukharev-Hudilainen, E., & Klepikova, T. A. (2016). The effectiveness of computer-based spaced repetition in foreign language vocabulary instruction: A double-blind study. C alico Journal , 33 (3), 334-354. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v33i3.26055

Sprenger, M. (2013). Teaching the critical vocabulary of the common core. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Flashcards for serious learners .

Why Is Vocabulary Important (20 Reasons + Tips to Expand It)

You know when you try to tell someone how you feel or what you think, and you just can’t find the words? It can be such a drag. That’s where having a good set of words, or vocabulary, comes in handy.

A solid vocabulary helps us share ideas, learn new things, and even land our dream job. It’s more than just knowing many words; it’s about using them to open doors to new experiences and opportunities.

But why is expanding your vocabulary so important, and how can it affect your everyday life? Stick around because we’re about to dive into a world where words are the unsung heroes of our stories. Get ready to discover the power of vocabulary, one simple yet impactful word at a time.

Table of Contents

Vocabulary Aids in Conveying Thoughts Precisely

Vocabulary enriches conversation quality, vocabulary strengthens persuasion skills, vocabulary improves cognitive function, vocabulary increases comprehension while reading, vocabulary assists in career advancement, vocabulary enhances academic success, vocabulary fosters better listening skills, vocabulary magnifies the enjoyment of literature, vocabulary boosts creative writing flair, vocabulary encourages curiosity and learning, vocabulary nurtures confidence in debates, vocabulary enhances emotional expression, vocabulary facilitates clearer instruction giving, vocabulary helps in making informed decisions, vocabulary bridges communication gaps, vocabulary bolsters negotiating expertise, vocabulary is fundamental for effective leadership, vocabulary deepens understanding of cultural nuances, vocabulary facilitates social interactions, tips for expanding your vocabulary, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.

Imagine you’re at a job interview, and you’re asked to describe your strengths. Saying  “I’m good at things”  doesn’t pack the same punch as  “I’m proficient in strategic planning and effective team management.”  

The second response paints a clearer picture, doesn’t it? Vocabulary is like the paint you use to create an image in someone’s mind. The better your vocabulary, the more vivid the picture.

A rich vocabulary gives you the words to be specific, whether you’re giving instructions, expressing feelings, or presenting an argument. It helps you say exactly what you mean and avoid misunderstandings.

Engaging in conversation is like dancing—knowing more steps makes it more fun. Vocabulary does that for talking; it adds color, depth, and rhythm to your chats. 

When you have lots of words to pick from, you can say what you mean with a bit more finesse rather than just saying it straight up.

A diverse vocabulary:

• Keeps listeners hooked because you’re not repeating the same words.
• Allows you to connect with people of various backgrounds by appreciating and using a wider range of expressions and references.

Ever been moved by a powerful speech or convinced by a colleague’s compelling presentation? Chances are, it was their choice of words that swayed you. Convincing someone isn’t just about the facts; it’s about packaging them in a way that resonates.

With a solid vocabulary, you can:

• Express your points with confidence and clarity.
• Use emotionally charged words to create impact where needed.
• Choose terms that resonate with your audience, making your argument more persuasive.

For instance, being persuasive is a valuable asset, whether negotiating a contract, presenting a strategy, or leading a team. Having the right words at your disposal is like having the perfect tool for the job—it makes you look and feel more capable. 

Persuasion is often more effectual than force. – Aesop

Think of your brain as a supercomputer. Just like upgrading software makes a computer run better, improving your vocabulary boosts your brain’s performance. 

Words are the tools we use to think, categorize, and understand concepts. When you learn new words, you’re not just memorizing but also exercising your brain, keeping it sharp and flexible. 

Here’s the cool part:

• A strong vocabulary helps with memory retention, as learning new words creates new neural pathways.
• It’s also linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline. Yes, a good word stash might keep your mind fit as you age.

Ever read a passage and felt like you were deciphering an ancient script? I know I have! But here’s where vocabulary steps in to save the day. The more words you recognize, the less you’ll need to pause and look them up, and the smoother your reading experience will become. 

In professional development, understanding the material you read—whether it’s a technical paper, industry article, or even an email—without getting tripped up on unknown words is critical. It lets you absorb information quickly and efficiently, keeping you ahead of the curve. 

Now, let’s talk about moving up the ladder at work. We’ve all heard the phrase,  “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,”  but I’d argue it’s also  “how you express what you know.”  

For example, if you work in digital marketing, using terms like “ search engine optimization, ” ”  conversion rate, ” and “ pay-per-click advertising ” can accurately showcase your knowledge and make your suggestions more persuasive. 

Your vocabulary can be a key factor in whether you’re seen as a specialist or another team member. It can be the distinguishing feature that gets you that promotion or lands you a lead role on a new project. With the right words, you’re not just a participant in your field—you’re an authority.

When it comes to acing your studies, having a strong vocabulary is your secret weapon. It’s the difference between just grazing the surface and digging deep into the material you’re learning. 

Think about it:  if you understand the words used in lectures and textbooks, you grasp the concepts much more quickly. It’s like showing up to a football game already knowing the plays.

Students with a good grip on vocabulary tend to write better essays, participate more confidently in discussions, and generally perform well across all subjects.

Now, let’s shift from speaking and reading to listening. You might not realize it at first, but understanding a wide range of words greatly improves your ability to listen. It’s like tuning your radio to the right frequency—you start to pick up on signals you would have otherwise missed.

With a broad vocabulary:

• You catch subtle points in conversations and presentations.
• You can decipher complex discussions, even when you’re not familiar with every detail.
• You become more empathetic as a listener, understanding not just the words but the emotions and intentions behind them.

By improving your vocabulary, conversations become less about waiting for your turn to talk and more about truly hearing what’s being said. 

Good listeners, like precious gems, are to be treasured. — Walter Anderson

Have you ever lost yourself in a book so much that you forgot the world around you? A well-stocked vocabulary can transform reading from a simple pastime into a thrilling adventure. With each new word you understand, you unlock a new level of appreciation for the author’s craft. 

When you read with a rich vocabulary:

• You savor the nuances of each sentence and the clever use of language.
• Characters become more real, and their experiences more relatable.

For instance, when reading a classic like “Pride and Prejudice,” understanding words like “ satirical, ” “ taciturn, ” and “ supercilious ” allows you to appreciate Jane Austen’s intricate character portrayals and the subtle humor woven throughout her narrative.

If you’ve ever tried writing, you know the right words can make your story soar. They’re the building blocks of your narrative, the spices in your storytelling stew. Think of vocabulary as your toolkit for crafting precise imagery, compelling dialogue, and memorable characters.

A strong vocabulary allows you to:

• Paint more vivid pictures with your words—the kind that sticks with the reader long after they’ve turned the page.
• Experiment with language, playing with rhythm and flow to make your prose or poetry sing.

For example, you’re writing a story about a sunset. Instead of saying, “ The sun went down, ” imagine describing it as “ the horizon swallowed the sun, and the sky erupted in hues of amber and indigo. ” That’s the magic of vocabulary—it transforms the mundane into the extraordinary.

A bountiful vocabulary opens doors to new worlds— literally . Think of every new word as a portal to a previously unexplored realm of knowledge. 

With every term or phrase you master, a spark of curiosity ignites, leading you to questions you might not have previously considered. It keeps the journey of discovery vibrant and ongoing.

This innate curiosity driven by vocabulary leads to:

• Seeking out new experiences and knowledge.
• The joy of learning for its own sake rather than just as a means to an end.
• A more well-rounded perspective on the world and your place in it.

The realm of debate is where vocabulary truly flexes its muscles. Armed with an expansive dictionary, you step into discussions with quiet confidence. You’ve got the perfect words loaded, ready to clearly express your viewpoints and dismantle opposing arguments.

Good debaters leverage their vocabulary to:

• Present their ideas with authority and persuasive power.
• Respond to counterpoints with suitable rebuttals and concise conclusions.
• Engage the audience or judges, drawing them into the narrative being woven.

In a debate, your words are your weapons, and a greater vocabulary means a better-armed intellect. Knowing you can articulate your thoughts under pressure builds a sense of self-belief.

How we express our emotions can be as complex as the feelings themselves. A rich vocabulary gives you a full spectrum of words to depict your emotional state with nuance and precision. 

It’s like being an artist who doesn’t just have primary colors on their palette but every shade imaginable. Words like “ ecstatic, ” “ melancholic, ” or “ irate ” provide an immediate, vivid sense of what you’re feeling.

This allows you to create connections with others by sharing your emotional experiences more deeply. It fosters empathy and understanding in your personal and professional relationships. 

When you can articulate your emotions effectively, you pave the way for healthier, more sincere interactions.

Effective instruction is all about clarity; a well-chosen word can make the difference between success and confusion. 

When you’re trying to guide someone, whether it’s assembling furniture, baking a cake, or completing a complex task at work, the language you use determines how easily they’ll follow. 

For example, imagine you’re leading a fitness class. Instead of telling participants to “ move around, ” which could mean anything, you say, “ perform a series of high knee sprints, followed by lunges. ” Now they know exactly what to do, thanks to your clear directions.

Let’s break down what it looks like to make informed decisions with the aid of a strong vocabulary. 

Imagine you’re faced with choosing a new software for your business. With terms like “ scalability, ” “ integration, ” “ user interface, ” and “ analytics ” at your disposal, you can accurately evaluate the options. 

A rich vocabulary allows you to ask the right questions, understand the technical responses, and ultimately make a choice that aligns with your business needs. Vocabulary, in this sense, becomes your lens for clearer insight and judgment.

Moreover, having the right words helps you fully comprehend the options and consequences. It means that when you weigh the pros and cons, you understand all the dimensions of what you’re considering. 

Think of those moments when a single word can span the space between misunderstanding and clarity. Especially when addressing a diverse group, whether it’s your team, your clients, or an international audience, a comprehensive vocabulary allows you to:

• Adjust your language to be inclusive and respectful.
• Clarify your message to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
• Translate jargon or specialized terms into accessible language.

By effectively bridging these gaps, vocabulary facilitates stronger connections and nurtures a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.

Negotiation is an art, and words are your brushes. In high-stakes situations, each phrase and term you choose can tip the balance. A skillful negotiator knows the importance of phrasing their proposals just right to appeal to their counterpart’s interests and concerns.

When you enter a negotiation with a comprehensive vocabulary, you:

• Articulate your position more persuasively.
• React to the other party’s arguments with precision.
• Use strategic language that can encourage favorable outcomes.

It’s about more than just the deal at hand; it’s about positioning yourself as competent, prepared, and trustworthy. 

True leadership is about inspiring and guiding others, and language is a leader’s most powerful tool. With a well-honed vocabulary, you can paint a vision, spell out strategies, and encourage teamwork. 

Take, for example, a leader addressing their company during a period of change. Instead of vaguely urging staff to “ do better, ” they articulate a clear vision of what “ better ” looks like, using precise and motivating language that spurs the team. 

In every industry, the leaders who stand out are those who can communicate their thoughts with confidence and finesse. They understand that words have the power to inspire, engage, and drive progress.

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. — John C. Maxwell

Each culture has its own set of idioms, colloquialisms, and expressions that reflect its unique way of life. Understanding these subtleties is like being handed a key to unlock the deeper meanings within conversations. 

This understanding fosters stronger connections, greater empathy, and a genuine appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the world’s cultures.

A diverse vocabulary enables you to:

• Appreciate the richness of different cultures through language.
• Connect with individuals on a more personal level by understanding their linguistic expressions.
• Navigate cultural contexts with sensitivity and awareness.

For instance, when someone in the UK says they’re “ feeling peckish ,” knowing they’re talking about being slightly hungry gives you a glimpse into British life’s casual, everyday speech.

Vocabulary lays the foundation for social interactions. When we think about social butterflies, what makes them so engaging is often their way with words. They know how to strike up a conversation that’s both interesting and inclusive. 

Here’s what happens when you’re equipped with a rich vocabulary:

• You’re more adept at storytelling, capturing the interest of your listeners.
• You adapt your language to suit different social settings, whether casual or formal.
• You deftly navigate various topics, making meaningful connections with those around you.

It’s about reading the room and knowing what to say to strike a chord with your audience, making each social interaction more enjoyable and rewarding. Every new word learned opens up new possibilities for connection and understanding.

Alright, so we’ve already talked about the whys, but hang on, let’s turn those whys into hows and start fueling up your communication rocket! Here are some tips to turn vocabulary building from a dull chore into an adventure:

Read, Read, Then Read Some More

Trust me, the more you read, the more words you’ll encounter. It’s like going on a treasure hunt without leaving your couch. No need to dive into the most challenging book right away—start with what grabs you and go from there.

Keep a Word Journal

Stumbled upon a new word? Jot it down in a journal or a note app. I think of it like collecting stamps; the more you have, the richer your collection. Revisit them often, and they’ll stick.

Use the Words in Your Daily Chit-Chat

Try slipping new words into your conversations. Don’t stress about sounding a bit awkward at first. With practice, it’ll become second nature.

Play Word Games

Who says expanding your vocabulary can’t be a blast? Games like Scrabble or Words with Friends are not just fun—they’re like a gym session for your brain’s language center. Before you know it, you’ll be the heavyweight champion of words.

Use Technology

There are heaps of apps and tools out there designed to help you learn new words without making you yawn. Set aside a few minutes each day, and soon, you’ll see your word bank growing faster.

Engage With Media in Different Languages

If you’re feeling adventurous, watch a movie or a show in another language. I mean, with subtitles, of course. Cross-cultural phrases and unique expressions add a new flavor to your vocabulary mix.

As we discussed earlier, investing in your vocabulary is investing in your communication. With practice, expanding your vocabulary can transform your perspective and unlock new opportunities.

Are there any tools or resources available for vocabulary building?

Yes, numerous tools and resources are available to help individuals expand their vocabulary. Some popular options include:

Vocabulary-building apps:  These apps offer daily word challenges, quizzes, and personalized learning plans to help users enhance their vocabulary.

Online dictionaries and thesauri:  Websites like Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary provide definitions, synonyms, and examples of word usage.

Educational websites and blogs:  Websites such as Vocabulary.com and Wordnik offer various resources, including word lists, quizzes, and articles related to vocabulary development.

Is there a specific age to start focusing on vocabulary development?

Not at all. Vocabulary development can start as early as a child begins to speak and continues throughout life. It’s never too early or too late to work on expanding your vocabulary.

For children, early vocabulary development is crucial for language and cognitive skills, but adults can benefit, too. Think of vocabulary building as a continuous journey—there’s always something new to learn, regardless of age.

How can I measure my vocabulary growth?

Measuring vocabulary growth can be quite satisfying, and there are several ways to do it:

1. Keep track of the new words you learn in a notebook or app, and review the list periodically to see your progress.

2. Use vocabulary tests available online to reassess your level at regular intervals. There are standardized tests and quizzes that can give you a rough idea of the size of your vocabulary.

3. Reflect on your reading and comprehension. If you’re understanding texts more easily and recognizing more words, that’s a clear indicator that your vocabulary is expanding.

4. Pay attention to your writing and speaking. The more comfortably you can express complex thoughts and use diverse words, the more growth you’ve achieved.

Remember, growth isn’t just about quantity; it’s also about how effectively you use and understand the new words in context.

How can I maintain and retain my improved vocabulary over time?

Consistent practice:  Continually use your expanded vocabulary in conversations, writing, and presentations to reinforce your learning and internalize new words.

Lifelong learning:  Make vocabulary development an ongoing process by continuously seeking new words and concepts to learn and incorporate into your language repertoire.

Periodic review:  Revisit the words you’ve learned previously to ensure they remain fresh in your memory and readily available for use.

Engage with diverse content:  Consume a variety of reading materials, watch movies and shows, and listen to podcasts that challenge your vocabulary and expose you to new words and ideas.

Words are much more than just sounds or characters; they’re the building blocks of our thoughts and the mirror that reflects our ideas to the world.

Improving our vocabulary is a powerful step towards being clearer, more persuasive, and more confident in every facet of life. It opens doors to new opportunities and allows us to understand and be understood better.

So, take these simple tips, embrace the joy of learning new words, and watch as your world expands with every term you master. After all, every word is a new tool in your kit, ready to help you build bridges, solve problems, and create a richer, more meaningful life.

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Robby Salveron

Robby is a multimedia editor at UpJourney with a journalism and communications background.

When she's not working, Robby transforms into an introverted art lover who indulges in her love for sports, learning new things, and sipping her favorite soda. She also enjoys unwinding with feel-good movies, books, and video games. She's also a proud pet parent to her beloved dog, Dustin.

Learning New Vocabulary

Tips and points to consider for learning new vocabulary in ielts..

I often get asked about the best way to learn new words that can be used in IELTS essays or the speaking section. I have not given any word lists on my website because I believe that vocabulary building is your responsibility. It is something that you will have to work on over a period of time.

One of the worst things you could ever do when studying IELTS is to just memorise lists of words and then randomly put those words into your writing, the same goes for speaking.

I have seen many essays where the student has just memorised sentences and phrases and put them in the essay. The examiner will see this too and mark it down as poor vocabulary. You could lose a Band score in Lexical resource here.

Here are some steps for learning new words.

• Get a new notebook
• As you read or listen to a new word, write it in a notebook.
• Make an example sentence with that word.
• Write down some synonyms and collocations connected to that word.
• Think about the form of the word:  is it an adjective, a noun, a verb, a collocation, a phrasal verb? ..etc
• Pick up 5 new words a day, but make sure they are IELTS topic-specific, for instance: crime, environment, health, family, technology, the internet, media, education, society and so on.
• Think about how those new words fit into an essay.
• Never just memorise new words from a list.
• Reading is very important in building your new vocabulary, but read something that interests you, not just IELTS material.
• Regularly review the new words you have recorded, it is easy to forget them.

The way to learn vocabulary is to read a lot of texts that you find interesting, not just doing IELTS reading tasks as that will get boring quickly.

Listening is also a good way to develop vocabulary. While you are listening, make notes on new words. Some good websites for this are TED Talks, BBC podcasts, click here to see a list of free online resources.



The Dangers of Synonyms

Synonyms can be very tricky because there are certain types such as ‘near-synonyms’ which have a similar meaning but not exactly the same meaning. For instance here is a list of synonyms from Thesaurus.com… the word I chose is ‘child’

Some of the words above I have never used or heard before such as ‘moppet’ or ‘stripling’,  I would probably laugh if I heard them.

I have seen people using synonyms in essays when it is clear that they have not thought about the meaning. In many cases,  these just confuse the reader and could leave the reader with a different impression. This is especially important when paraphrasing the task question. By the way, do not paraphrase everything as the whole meaning could change.

Collocations

I strongly advise learning how to use collocations effectively (strongly advise is a collocation :0), these are 2 or 3 words that often go together, there is a pattern to them such as:

• Have a coffee
• Have a bath
• Take a break
• Take a look
• Break the law
• Break a promise
• Follow the rules
• Follow your instincts
• Spend money
• Spend time at the office…  and so on..

In the marking criteria in IELTS, you are marked on vocabulary. You will be marked on the way you use collocations in the writing section, especially essays. Here is what it says in the Public Band Descriptors about Writing task 2 Band 7

• uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision
• uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation
• may produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation

Collocations are important for writing and they are useful in the speaking section. They give your speech a smooth natural flow, but you have to know how to use them correctly.

Here is a lesson on the various grammatical patterns of collocations

If you want to study them in more detail according to the topic, then here is a very good online resource that you can use to study collocations online for free.  Click here to study collocations online for free

Any questions? leave a comment below.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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Why Taiwan Was So Prepared for a Powerful Earthquake

Decades of learning from disasters, tightening building codes and increasing public awareness may have helped its people better weather strong quakes.

Search-and-rescue teams recover a body from a leaning building in Hualien, Taiwan. Thanks to improvements in building codes after past earthquakes, many structures withstood Wednesday’s quake. Credit...

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By Chris Buckley ,  Meaghan Tobin and Siyi Zhao

Photographs by Lam Yik Fei

Chris Buckley reported from the city of Hualien, Meaghan Tobin from Taipei, in Taiwan.

• April 4, 2024

When the largest earthquake in Taiwan in half a century struck off its east coast, the buildings in the closest city, Hualien, swayed and rocked. As more than 300 aftershocks rocked the island over the next 24 hours to Thursday morning, the buildings shook again and again.

But for the most part, they stood.

Even the two buildings that suffered the most damage remained largely intact, allowing residents to climb to safety out the windows of upper stories. One of them, the rounded, red brick Uranus Building, which leaned precariously after its first floors collapsed, was mostly drawing curious onlookers.

The building is a reminder of how much Taiwan has prepared for disasters like the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that jolted the island on Wednesday. Perhaps because of improvements in building codes, greater public awareness and highly trained search-and-rescue operations — and, likely, a dose of good luck — the casualty figures were relatively low. By Thursday, 10 people had died and more than 1,000 others were injured. Several dozen were missing.

“Similar level earthquakes in other societies have killed far more people,” said Daniel Aldrich , a director of the Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University. Of Taiwan, he added: “And most of these deaths, it seems, have come from rock slides and boulders, rather than building collapses.”

Across the island, rail traffic had resumed by Thursday, including trains to Hualien. Workers who had been stuck in a rock quarry were lifted out by helicopter. Roads were slowly being repaired. Hundreds of people were stranded at a hotel near a national park because of a blocked road, but they were visited by rescuers and medics.

On Thursday in Hualien city, the area around the Uranus Building was sealed off, while construction workers tried to prevent the leaning structure from toppling completely. First they placed three-legged concrete blocks that resembled giant Lego pieces in front of the building, and then they piled dirt and rocks on top of those blocks with excavators.

“We came to see for ourselves how serious it was, why it has tilted,” said Chang Mei-chu, 66, a retiree who rode a scooter with her husband Lai Yung-chi, 72, to the building on Thursday. Mr. Lai said he was a retired builder who used to install power and water pipes in buildings, and so he knew about building standards. The couple’s apartment, near Hualien’s train station, had not been badly damaged, he said.

“I wasn’t worried about our building, because I know they paid attention to earthquake resistance when building it. I watched them pour the cement to make sure,” Mr. Lai said. “There have been improvements. After each earthquake, they raise the standards some more.”

It was possible to walk for city blocks without seeing clear signs of the powerful earthquake. Many buildings remained intact, some of them old and weather-worn; others modern, multistory concrete-and-glass structures. Shops were open, selling coffee, ice cream and betel nuts. Next to the Uranus Building, a popular night market with food stalls offering fried seafood, dumplings and sweets was up and running by Thursday evening.

Earthquakes are unavoidable in Taiwan, which sits on multiple active faults. Decades of work learning from other disasters, implementing strict building codes and increasing public awareness have gone into helping its people weather frequent strong quakes.

Not far from the Uranus Building, for example, officials had inspected a building with cracked pillars and concluded that it was dangerous to stay in. Residents were given 15 minutes to dash inside and retrieve as many belongings as they could. Some ran out with computers, while others threw bags of clothes out of windows onto the street, which was also still littered with broken glass and cement fragments from the quake.

One of its residents, Chen Ching-ming, a preacher at a church next door, said he thought the building might be torn down. He was able to salvage a TV and some bedding, which now sat on the sidewalk, and was preparing to go back in for more. “I’ll lose a lot of valuable things — a fridge, a microwave, a washing machine,” he said. “All gone.”

Requirements for earthquake resistance have been built into Taiwan’s building codes since 1974. In the decades since, the writers of Taiwan’s building code also applied lessons learned from other major earthquakes around the world, including in Mexico and Los Angeles, to strengthen Taiwan’s code.

After more than 2,400 people were killed and at least 10,000 others injured during the Chi-Chi quake of 1999, thousands of buildings built before the quake were reviewed and reinforced. After another strong quake in 2018 in Hualien, the government ordered a new round of building inspections. Since then, multiple updates to the building code have been released.

“We have retrofitted more than 10,000 school buildings in the last 20 years,” said Chung-Che Chou, the director general of the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering in Taipei.

The government had also helped reinforce private apartment buildings over the past six years by adding new steel braces and increasing column and beam sizes, Dr. Chou said. Not far from the buildings that partially collapsed in Hualien, some of the older buildings that had been retrofitted in this way survived Wednesday’s quake, he said.

The result of all this is that even Taiwan’s tallest skyscrapers can withstand regular seismic jolts. The capital city’s most iconic building, Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, was engineered to stand through typhoon winds and frequent quakes. Still, some experts say that more needs to be done to either strengthen or demolish structures that don’t meet standards, and such calls have grown louder in the wake of the latest earthquake.

Taiwan has another major reason to protect its infrastructure: It is home to the majority of production for the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest maker of advanced computer chips. The supply chain for electronics from smartphones to cars to fighter jets rests on the output of TSMC’s factories, which make these chips in facilities that cost billions of dollars to build.

The 1999 quake also prompted TSMC to take extra steps to insulate its factories from earthquake damage. The company made major structural adjustments and adopted new technologies like early warning systems. When another large quake struck the southern city of Kaohsiung in February 2016, TSMC’s two nearby factories survived without structural damage.

Taiwan has made strides in its response to disasters, experts say. In the first 24 hours after the quake, rescuers freed hundreds of people who were trapped in cars in between rockfalls on the highway and stranded on mountain ledges in rock quarries.

“After years of hard work on capacity building, the overall performance of the island has improved significantly,” said Bruce Wong, an emergency management consultant in Hong Kong. Taiwan’s rescue teams have come to specialize in complex efforts, he said, and it has also been able to tap the skills of trained volunteers.

Taiwan’s resilience also stems from a strong civil society that is involved in public preparedness for disasters.

Ou Chi-hu, a member of a group of Taiwanese military veterans, was helping distribute water and other supplies at a school that was serving as a shelter for displaced residents in Hualien. He said that people had learned from the 1999 earthquake how to be more prepared.

“They know to shelter in a corner of the room or somewhere else safer,” he said. Many residents also keep a bag of essentials next to their beds, and own fire extinguishers, he added.

Around him, a dozen or so other charities and groups were offering residents food, money, counseling and childcare. The Tzu Chi Foundation, a large Taiwanese Buddhist charity, provided tents for families to use inside the school hall so they could have more privacy. Huang Yu-chi, a disaster relief manager with the foundation, said nonprofits had learned from earlier disasters.

“Now we’re more systematic and have a better idea of disaster prevention,” Mr. Huang said.

Mike Ives contributed reporting from Seoul.

Chris Buckley , the chief China correspondent for The Times, reports on China and Taiwan from Taipei, focused on politics, social change and security and military issues. More about Chris Buckley

Meaghan Tobin is a technology correspondent for The Times based in Taipei, covering business and tech stories in Asia with a focus on China. More about Meaghan Tobin

Siyi Zhao is a reporter and researcher who covers news in mainland China for The Times in Seoul. More about Siyi Zhao

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