LEARNING NEW WORDS |
| INTRODUCTION | Intelligent Learning It is important to memorise lists of new words as they will never get into your head. Instead, words learnt in context and used in writing and speech will become part of our vocabulary. There are three stages to intelligent learning. The first stage involves using our knowledge of other words and the context to make a guess. The second stage involves the checking of dictionary. Learn the spelling of the word if it is used in speech and learn its pronunciation if it comes from reading. Finally, practise the new word by making up sentences with it and writing down its meaning. Remember the word by constructing a vivid and colourful picture while practising it. Also, try to associate the word with unlikely images. The word codicil (a document which qualifies or alters a will) can be easily remembered by picturing a dying man signing a cod instead of a will. Look for opportunities to use the word in your conversation once you have mastered the word. Feel proud of yourself the first time you used it as you have managed to express clearly what you wanted to say and you have done something new. It is important to be polite by not correcting another person's use of the word. You may be wrong in your correction or the person might have used the word in another way. It would be worse if you had been wrong due to your misunderstanding of the word's definition in the dictionary. |