Vocabulary Expansion – 3 Tip Top Tips for English Learners

Sania Green-Reynolds - ESL/English Educator/Coach
May 29, 2016
6 min read

Photo Credit: Google Image

When I started studying Japanese recently, I realized that once I understood the basic structure of sentences, what I needed next, was a strategy to learn as much vocabulary as I possibly could so that I could produce as many Japanese utterances and have more conversations with speakers of the language. At first, I felt overwhelmed. I felt like no one understood that I was being exposed to Japanese for the first time in my life. Actually, I was convinced no one cared. Despite the way I felt, I made a great effort to learn all the new words and useful expressions I could. My decision served me well, though I fell off course a little. I say that to say, it is natural for language learners to be overwhelmed by their need to learn new words and expand their target language vocabulary. This week alone, I had the opportunity to interact with English learners from places like Taiwan, France, Poland, and India, to name a few. The most popular question I was asked was ….

“How can I learn more English words to have a bigger English vocabulary?”

The answer is easy! Come to my English class! Haha! Well, whether you decide to come to my English class or not, I have 3 Tip Top Tips that will make your vocabulary expansion easy and fun.

1. Listen to a variety of English speakers across various media.

Sure you may have gotten this advice before but I am here to tell you again and to do so boldly. As I have noted in prior blog posts, active listening is an integral part of English language learning and mastery. Vocabulary development is only one of the great benefits of listening to a variety of English speakers across various media. Try to listen to varying topical issues as well. What and who should you be listening to?

Local and international English news

English audiobooks

English Vloggers and live streamers

Regular conversations among English speakers

English songs

English movies and TV shows

English documentaries

2. Read widely and smartly

Reading, for some folks, is a dreaded task. Actually, I was not the biggest fan of reading when I was growing up. I wanted to change that so I assessed my situation. Luckily, in my early teens, I realized that I preferred some topics and presentation styles than others. To top that off I had to accept the fact that I have a very short attention span. So, to put all the discoveries about myself to great use and fulfill my desire to become an avid reader, I started reading smartly and widely. Experts suggest that you read at least one fiction book per year, so as to boost your vocabulary. My advice to you is, follow the experts and choose your books and other reading materials wisely.

Ask yourself –

What topics am I interested in learning about?

How deeply do I want to study the topics I want to learn about?

Will reading about this topic help to broaden my horizon as well as my vocabulary?

Choosing wisely and smartly will prevent some of the overwhelm and anxiety you are likely to face when you make vocabulary expansion a regular task.

So what are some materials you should be reading?

English Newspapers and magazines

English novels and books

Blogs and articles

Labels signs and billboards

Anything that you desire, regardless of what others think

3. Use new words intentionally as well as randomly

There is no doubt that you will come across new words by listening to a variety of English speakers and topics and reading widely and smartly. Will the new words learnt become an active part of your vocabulary just by following tip one and two? Unfortunately, they most likely won’t. When I studied effective English language teaching methodologies in college, I was stunned when my lecturer told me that learners usually have to interact with a word 80 to 100 times for the word to become a part of their active vocabulary. Wow! That’s quite a lot of interaction for one word. But, if your desire is to really grow your vocabulary you must take the necessary actions. Wouldn’t you agree? This is why I strongly advise my students to use new vocabulary intentionally and randomly in order to promote retention.

‘If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!

Use new vocabulary intentionally by making new sentences with the words, practicing to use the words in particular settings before-hand, and repeating new words as many times as you possibly can within the first 24 hours of discovery and often thereafter. It is also important to see the new words you are learning both in context (in sentences, paragraphs) and in isolation (all by itself). Use your Post-Its and index cards to create visual aids. Practice new words randomly by engaging other English speakers or learners in daily conversations. For example, start a conversation about the words you are learning.

Sample Conversation about a new word

A: “Hey, ever heard the word……….before?”

B: “No, this is the first time I’m hearing it.”

A: “I heard that word for the first time today. It means………”

B: “Oh, I see. ………..”

This conversation may be considered a little strange but it is a possible ‘small talk’ topic. Remember, the goal is to provide situation and context to use your new vocabulary. In addition to this, you would be building your confidence to speak as well as practice other important aspects of speaking English.

Applying the general tips given above

When you hear a new word jot it down or find creative ways to make note of it.

(Don’t forget to use the memo pads or voice recorders on your smart devices).

2. Use context clues to figure out the meaning of new words. This will help you to better associate with new vocabulary.

3. After using context clues to determine word meaning, use your dictionary to affirm the meaning of the new words.

4. Post new words where you can see them. Post-Its should be one of your most handy tools since you can stick them anywhere and the colors will pop at you.

5. Practice to use the new words you’ve learnt in context. Remember the word engagement rule mentioned above.

6. Use new words in daily interaction – both intentionally and randomly.

7. Teach someone the new words you have learnt. I believe in taking a practical approach to learning, therefore I suggest that learners find an audience (a relative, friend, co-worker, etc.) to teach their new vocabulary to. This is intentional vocabulary expansion, in addition to speaking practice and confidence building.

8. In as much as you use the new words you’ve learnt in speech, you should use them in writing too. Doing so provides you with more opportunities to interact with the word.

9. Get a ‘New Word Buddy’ ~ I am not an ESL learner but I like learning new words and because of this my coworker and I started this great activity that takes no more than five minutes each day. We introduce new words to each other and practice using it in context. We also do follow-up reviews of the words learnt. Why don’t you try it?

If you apply these tips for at least the top three new words you come across each week, I guarantee you will see how seamless your English vocabulary will expand. In addition to your vocabulary expansion, you will also put yourself in a position to practice other important English skills such as, speaking confidently, starting ‘small talks’ and expressing yourself clearly and fearlessly.

Go have a blast!

Check out these great vocabulary enhancement sites.

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