It would seem that a simple math problem from the fourth grade: if you learn 30-35 English words a day every day, how many words of English language can you learn in a month and a year?

Of course, you easily calculated: you can learn about a thousand English words in a month and, accordingly, 12,000 words in a year. Interesting, but what does experience and practice say?

As vocabulary is reduced , so are the number of feelings you can express, the number of events you can describe, the number of the things you can identify! Not only understanding is limited, but also experience. Man grows by language. Whenever he limits language he retrogresses!

As vocabulary shrinks, so does the number of feelings you can express, the number of events you can describe, the number of things you can name. Not only understanding is limited, but also experience. Man grows through language. Whenever he restricts language, he goes into decline.

~ Sheri S. Tepper

As practice shows, it is possible to learn something, but it will not work to keep it in an active reserve and use it regularly in speech. Words without practice and associative links are quickly forgotten, which the creators are silent about.

True, you always have a chance memorize a large number of English words- it all depends on the characteristics of memory and techniques for memorizing English words, which we will talk about today.

How to learn a lot of English words quickly

Learning English words is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Signing the names of unfamiliar words is one of effective methods for memorization.

Want to learn a lot of English words in a short time? The German scientist Ebinghaus found that with mechanical memorization, that is, when a person does not understand the meaning of the material and does not use mnemonics, after an hour only 44% of the information remains in memory, and after a week - less than 25%. Fortunately, with conscious memorization, information is forgotten much more slowly.

First of all, it is necessary to determine how it is easier for you to absorb new information: by ear, by sight or by writing down?

This will not take much time, but will greatly facilitate the learning and selection of effective techniques for you in the future. One of the tests that will help you determine how easy it is for you to remember new information is presented on this site. By answering 30 questions, you can know exactly what type you are.

In short, we recall that visuals easily memorize new words by seeing or reading, audials - by ear, and kinesthetics need to be in motion, for example, write down information on paper.

AT modern world most people are dominated by the visual type of perception of new information. Remember how long annoying commercials seen on TV, or posters and banners that are full of city streets, are stored in our memory.

You also need to know that there are no 100% visuals or audials. But some channel is still dominant, and it is this channel that should be used if your goal is learn a lot of english words quickly.

Visual method of memorizing English words

Characteristics and scheme of perception of information by visuals.

If you've read Martin Eden by Jack London, you probably remember that main character taught a huge number of academic words, posting leaflets with new words at home.

visual method for memorizing English words is pasting all the objects that surround you with stickers with new words. How does the visual method work? You constantly come across an abundance of English words, read, memorize and, of course, use English words.

Purchase from the store or make your own cards with new words, translation, transcription, and even an example of use. It is convenient to take such cards with you if you have a long commute to work or constantly disappear in lines. They can be classically made on paper or downloaded to your phone.

On a note:

On the Internet you can find download apps for mobile phones which use a visual way to expand vocabulary. The most popular are Words, Easy Ten and Duolingo: Learn Languages ​​for Free.

Bright pictures with captions, memory simulators, verification tests that use these mobile applications will help you learn a lot of English words in a short time. And most importantly, they are always at hand!

If your level is not beginner (Pre-Intermediate and above), you can watch films, programs and videos with and without subtitles, writing out not only new words, but also useful colloquial phrases.

English audio tutorials and podcasts

Characteristics and scheme of perception of information by auditory people.

If you belong to a rare category of people (about 10%) who love and remember with their ears, then this method is for you.

The main conditions for vocabulary expansion- constantly listen to English speech, whether at home in the kitchen or in a car in a traffic jam. New words and expressions can be written down and repeated periodically.

With this method, you will not be afraid to listen to speech, and your listening skills will improve.

TPR method for expanding vocabulary

Characteristics and scheme of perception of information by kinesthetics.

The third type of perception of information, which includes kinesthetics, prefers movement to static learning. If you are a kinesthetic learner, don't forget to write down new words on paper. It is better if you have a diary dictionary that you can refer to from time to time.

Often used in teaching children TPR (Total Physical Response) method. But believe me, if you are a kinesthetic learner, this method is also for you: with its help, you can easily learn English words and phrases.

The essence of the method is to memorize new words, phrases and lexical constructions using gestures, command execution, pantomime and games. For example, on the word ball (ball) you need to perform an action associated with this subject, for example, a ball game.

Simple and effective ways to memorize English words

Mnemonics and memorization of English words

A good example of how mnemonics works.

One of the most effective ways to memorize English, and indeed foreign words, is mnemonics. The method of mnemonics (or mnemonics) is based on creating images in your mind. You take the information you need to remember and turn it into an image through association.

First you need to understand that the brain does not remember the images themselves that arise in the head, but links between multiple images. This is very important to remember, because right at the time of memorization, you need to focus on this.

Mnemonics actively develops memory and thinking. The main task is to create images that are connected in the imagination in various ways. The images must be colored, large and detailed.

Learning English words with the help of mnemonics is incredibly easy! We select the most consonant word (or several words) from the native language to the foreign word.

How mnemonics works when memorizing English words, let's look at an example:

puddle ["pʌdl] puddle

Approximate pronunciation (phonetic association) - "bad"

Mnemonic model: "I kept falling and falling into a puddle" .

Examples of using mnemonics in teaching English:

If you are using mnemonics to expand vocabulary, it is important to remember that you need not only to link words together and express them as a sentence, but also to present a specific situation in which this happens or is said.

For example, do not just say: "A nervous person is walking along a narrow alley," but imagine nervous person, you can your friend, who is walking, looking around and shuddering at every sound, along a narrow dark alley. In this case, you will definitely not forget this foreign word.

On a note:

An association or a bunch of words that has arisen is necessary only for 2-3 repetitions from memory in order to remember a foreign word and its translation. Then it disappears behind uselessness, so you don’t have to worry that any nonsense will be stored in your memory.

Undoubtedly, for quick and high-quality memorization of foreign words, you need to practice, find your own approach, learn how to create your own associations, and even quickly. The process of creating associations will be slow at first, but be patient and keep practicing. As a rule, the speed and quality of association creation improves after the first thousands of memorized words.

It remains to be added that with the help of this technique it is possible to memorize the words of any foreign language .

Mind halls for expanding vocabulary in English

Many people use flashcards to help memorize new words, but these flashcards are not always at hand, especially at the right time.

There is a great way to memorize new words and expressions - this is the power of your mind. It is called Method of loci (locus method).

You can also see names such as “mind halls”, “memory palaces”, “method of loci”, “spatial mnemonics”, “method of Cicero”.

When Sherlock Holmes, the world-famous detective, wanted to remember something important, he closed his eyes and plunged into the halls of the mind ( ‘mind palace’). Like Sherlock Holmes, you can also use this Method of loci to memorize new words and expressions. How it looks visually you can see in the video.

Video “The Hound of the Baskervilles” - “mind palaces” by Sherlock Holmes.

How does the locus method work?

We're building an imaginary place imaginary place) in our mind and put things and people there that will help us remember new words. You can store images both on the shelves and randomly. The main thing is that you yourself know where everything is and can quickly remember. The best activators are either completely ridiculous or very logical. It's even better to mix and match.

Remember simple rules, which in no case should be violated in the process of creating a connection:

• Represent images large(even if the items to be remembered are of different sizes, make them the same: be it a ship, a coconut or a bee. Small images should not be presented. Connections between such images will be recorded very poorly.
• The images must be voluminous. For example, holographic images or images created on 3D graphics programs. Such images can be rotated and viewed from different angles.
• Images must be submitted colored. If these are the leaves of trees, then they must be green, the tree itself - brown, etc.
• The images presented must be detailed. If you imagine the image of a “phone”, you need to mentally consider it and clearly see what parts the phone you represent consists of. If it is a cell phone, then you can identify the following images in it: antenna, display, buttons, cover, strap, leather case, battery.

Then we apply the main mental operation in mnemonics - this is "connection of images". Let's look at how this is applied in the practice of learning English words.

Let's say we need to memorize the words associated with the word run, as well as its forms, so we will make up the following story in our minds: the imaginary setting of the city - the imaginary place is a city .

This is just a small example of how to memorize english words, Related run, and its forms. Of course, you can add other phrases with this word, of which there are actually many, and as my imaginary city grows, I can use more and more words, and thereby expand my vocabulary.

More details about memorization technique "memory palace" you can learn more from the video:

Any imaginary place can be, even a room in your house, and you try to come up with a situation that will be close to you, and the words will be remembered much easier.

In this manner easy to learn words on different topics, such as “food”, “kitchen”, “clothing”, etc. Arrange the items however you like, and then it will be easier for you to remember the name of the item by its location in your "memory" palace.

And of course, develop deduction, attention to detail and creativity. Develop associative thinking.

Another tip applies to all "memory palaces", regardless of the purpose of their "construction". If you want to remember something for a long time (and not in the “passed - forgot” mode), you will have to periodically “walk” around the “palace”.

Audiolingual Method in English

Automation of skills occurs in the process of training by repeated repetition of speech samples.

Audiolingual method- this is one of the methods of teaching a language, in which it is necessary to repeatedly listen and pronounce words, phrases and sentences, which leads to their automation.

This method has its pros and cons, but will suit mainly auditory speakers, since there is no visual support. The main focus here is on oral speech.

When using the audiolingual method, no explanations are given, since all the proposed material is simply practiced and memorized in the form of set expressions so that students can use them without hesitation in the future.

Training in this case is based on the development of some static models that students cannot change at all or almost at all. In this respect, this teaching method is the direct opposite of the communicative method.

let's consider positive and negative sides audiolingual method.

Positive sides

Negative sides

When developing this method attention was focused not only on the content of the material offered to the student, but also on the very process of memorizing this material by the student. The very system of presenting new information and repeated repetitions lead to the inevitable memorization of the past. In the process of repetition, not only the memorization of the material takes place, but also the pronunciation is worked out, as well as the removal of the language barrier. Memorizing set expressions leads to the fact that, if necessary, they come to mind automatically, as when communicating in their native language.

The main disadvantage of the audiolingual method (not unreasonably) is that it does not pay due attention to the independent study of grammar. Students, especially initial stage learning, are deprived of the opportunity to understand why the phrase is built this way and not otherwise, or why the word is used in one form and not in another. As they learn, students have to independently, on the basis of the material covered, build for themselves certain grammatical constructions. This undoubtedly contributes to a more solid assimilation of such constructions, but only if the student is able to construct them. And this is not always possible, since there are exceptions to the rules that can confuse a person who is not familiar with the basics of the grammar of the language being studied.

Tips on how to improve your English vocabulary?

By knowing many words, you will be able to express yourself in many different ways.

To replenish vocabulary, first of all, you need to systematically and regularly, preferably every day. There are many ways and they all work.

Choose the one that suits you best, and you can easily improve your English vocabulary. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Expand your English vocabulary with lists

Words surround us. Just looking up words in a dictionary may not be as interesting or exciting. Pay attention to English words around you - during TV shows and programs in English, reading the news - everywhere, at any time.

Important!

Regardless of whether you do it or not, we recommend that you write down what part of speech this or that word is (verb, noun, adjective), as well as derivatives of this word. For example, "fish" - fishing, fishy, ​​fisherman, etc. It will also be helpful if you add sentences with examples of these words.

You can also use the notepad on your mobile phone. As soon as you hear an unfamiliar word, write it down. Make sure you have enough free space around it to make appropriate notes.

When you have free time, write down its meaning or translation, and possibly the context in which it can be used.

Learn English words by practice

As you make word lists, it is very easy to forget the words that were at the very beginning. All words are required use in your speech. The more we use them, the better we remember them.

Reread your lists, for example, at the end of each week. How well do you remember old words?

If any words are hard to remember, but they are very common, it is likely that you will meet them in the future. Therefore, add them again to new lists and over time you will remember them.

Games will help memorize English words

Scrabble is an effective way to learn English words and have fun with family and friends.

Who said learning new words is not fun?! Games like Scrabble or Vocabador offer great ways to learn new words .

Games are a great way to learn, not only because they're fun, but also because they give you context for new words. Believe me, you will very quickly remember the word that your friend was laughing at.

We also want to draw your attention to the free game Free Rice. This game gives you a word, and you need to find the right definition for it. If you answer incorrectly, the next word will become easier. If it's correct, it's harder.

By playing this game, you not only improve your vocabulary but also help the world in the fight against hunger. How? Try to play it!

Increase English vocabulary with context

As mentioned earlier, it's better (and easier) memorize new words in context. One way is to write a sentence with this word. You will not only memorize this word, but you can easily use it in a conversation.

Another way - memorize words in groups. If you want to remember a word humongous (very large), it will be easier for you to remember it from a chain of words: getting bigger and bigger-large, huge, humongous. It also makes it possible to memorize more words at a time.

For example, large, humongous, gargantuan. What do you think the word means gargantuan?

Dictionaries and social networks for memorizing words

Of course, you can look up an unfamiliar word in the dictionary! Especially since modern online dictionaries offer many additional options.

In many online dictionaries there are interesting articles, games, as well as the “word of the day” section.

And if you feel confident that you can read literature in the original language, check out the article.

Sites for learning English words

Below you will find best sites to increase and practice vocabulary which can be of maximum benefit to you.

Business English Site

BusinessEnglishSite - site for learning business vocabulary

This is one of the best and most popular sites to study. Here you can fill up the vocabulary with useful phrases, expressions and even business jargon.

All words are divided into topics, for example, "Accounting", "Project Management", "IT" etc.

For each topic there are exercises to consolidate, which train not only vocabulary, but also grammar.

Blair English

With Blair English you can learn English words from scratch

All exercises and lessons on this site have been specially designed to increase and enrich your English vocabulary .

Here you will find over 190 free interactive exercises on various topics such as IT-technology, Business, Communication and many others.

Also on the site there is a database of exercises to improve listening and pronunciation skills.

Lingualeo

Lingualeo - word practice resource

A very famous interactive resource that is interesting not only for children. It helps make language learning fun and visual, and also contains unlimited number of words for different levels.

To feed the lion cub and get a new portion of words, registration is required.

british council

British Council - The most British way to learn words

The British Council website has not left us without the practice of truly British phrases, idioms and expressions. You can also learn a few new words a day there.

Words filtered out by topic and level, which makes navigation extremely convenient, and the process of cramming English words - an exciting experience.

For teachers, there are lesson plans for various levels with handouts.

Test Your Vocabulary

On this site, you can not with 100% probability, but at least approximately understand what kind of vocabulary you have and what you need to improve.

The test interface in English is simple. The site is designed for users who study English or even are native speakers.

By ticking the words you know the translation of and answering a few questions about yourself, you will very likely know how many english words is in your active supply.

Instead of a conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of methods and resources to enrich your vocabulary in various areas. The most important thing is to constantly work on it, and here everything depends on you. The daily work will then pay off in full when you communicate with English speakers without any problems.

In contact with

The main problem in learning any foreign language is the memorization of words. To solve this problem quickly and memorize many structures, the student takes up to 80% of the time and effort to master the active minimum. At this stage, the task of setting up a competent pronunciation, quick and correct reading, and developing the skill of perceiving foreign speech by ear is solved. learning English words Starting to learn English, a person, first of all, asks a series of questions: how to make learning easier and more efficient, how to memorize English words quickly, how to learn a lot of words? Of course, modern linguists and polyglots have created a lot of ways to learn hundreds and thousands of lexemes at once, many phrases, speech turns quickly.

I will tell you about the most popular ways to learn something:

• Associations
• memorization

Ways to learn words quickly and a lot

The association method is very simple. For each English word or concept, a similar sound is selected. Russian word: lemon - lemon, nose - nose, tangerine - tangerine or mandarin. Our language even has words borrowed from foreign speech, and they have long been familiar to you: airport - airport, recruit - recruit, recruit, autobus - bus, aviation - aviation. Some neologisms also took English terms as a basis: browser, internet, monitor, office, printer.

Therefore, you will always find something to associate with those concepts that you have to learn. In addition, a large number of English characters, as in Russian, consist of two bases:

• Overall - everywhere: over - over, over, excessively all - everything, entirely
• Thunderstorm - thunderstorm: thunder - thunder storm - storm, storm (storm with thunder)
• Exchange - exchange: ex - former change - replacement, change
• Watermelon - watermelon: water - water melon - melon (water melon)

You can also associate situations. For example, to remember the word "fist" (fist), imagine a large pistachio that you crush with your fist.
memorizing words in English As for memorizing by heart, it is effective in two cases - if words are classified according to consonance, when a group of words is similar to the first or last words. Or teach constructions in the second way - according to the thematic classification, which is closer to me personally. The same group includes the most used words and phrases. However, hard-to-remember words are better to quickly fix in memory by choosing a consonant analogue.

How to learn 100 words a day?

The process is best divided into 2 stages.

• Divide all the concepts that you are going to learn according to one of the classifications: theme, consonance, associations
• Take the first hundred with translation in Russian
• Divide this portion into 5 equal portions
• Several times, before memorizing, read the first 20 in order, trying to remember the translation at the same time
• Don't spend more than 2 seconds learning one word
• Close the translation with a piece of paper
• Test yourself

• By tapping the rhythm to yourself with a pencil or using a metronome (1 sec), achieve recognition of each word in time with a rhythmic beat
• Immediately go to the next portion - learn the next 20
• Repeat the steps and so on until the end of 100
• The clock should be in front of your eyes. Note the time it took you to learn each twenty
• Perform an easy check of all hundred
• Just read the words you were taught
• Use a template: close the translation, leaving the original

learning English words Notes:

• Don't look back, repeat the words all the time and increase your daily portion
• The portion size should be increased gradually - from 100 to 500, from 500 to 1000. However, first make sure that the technique is right for you and really helps you
• You need to learn only in one direction - that is, when you see an English word, remember Russian, and not vice versa
• The first 20 may take longer than the other group due to novelty
• Memorizing a large number of words quickly does not mean learning a language, you need to learn how to use them correctly in colloquial speech
• But knowledge of English phrases is the basis for further study of the English language.

The rapid study of English words should also be in parallel with the development of skills and abilities for constructing sentences, listening to English speech and setting the correct pronunciation. So have a good start!

Today we are talking about the method spaced repetitions, which allows you to memorize foreign words so that they never leave your head again.

What is the technique?

Spaced repetition - mnemonics, it is based on the repetition of words at intervals.

The method was developed by the American linguist Paul Pimsleur in 1967. Pimsleur noticed that the brain forgets words after memorization almost instantly. But if you repeat the words before they are erased from memory, the “forgetting” time will increase exponentially.

Prepare cards: phrase in English, translation and, if necessary, transcription. Write clearly and large.

Why phrases and not words?

Learning phrases is easier and more efficient. And that's why:

Phrases are easier to use in conversation;
- they already contain information that is usually searched for additionally: prepositions, articles, areas of use;
- a phrase is an image, it is easier to remember it.

How much do you need to repeat to learn?

Pimsler advised repeating the phrase 11 times. You can make it easier and get by with nine approaches: read, repeat after 30 minutes, then - the next morning, then - after three days, a week, a month, three months, six months and a year later.
If you repeat the phrase for 10 seconds (two voicings of five seconds each), then it will take one and a half minutes a year.
To avoid confusion, write down the date of the next repetition on the word card and put everything in folders or boxes.

I'm too lazy to write on paper, is there something else?

There is. For example, Seinfeld Calendar . In it, you can program goals, intervals and monitor progress.

Instead of flashcards or stickers, try apps like Anki, Mnemosyne, Supermemo, Quizlet, where you can write down new words, set repetition intervals, and create libraries. We have services "Training words" - for repeating words added to the dictionary, "Danetka by dictionary" - a game in which you see the translation of a word and choose whether it is correct or not, and "Exam Mode" for training a specific list of words.

How to support the result?

The method is based on regular repetition, so the main thing is systems approach and motivation. We have already talked about the systematic approach. And so that motivation does not fade away, it needs to be fed:

Use new words in conversations or correspondence,
- record short stories in English with memorized phrases on the recorder, and then listen to them until you remember all the words you have learned,
- take notes of articles and lectures listened to in English,
- share knowledge on social networks or start a telegram channel of learned words.

Practice in a pleasant and quiet environment. This makes it easier to perceive new information, and a stable positive association “learning is pleasant and easy” will appear in your head.

For those who want to improve their English

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And for unlimited and eternal access to all the features of the site, there is an All-Inclusive tariff (the discount does not apply).

In this article, we will talk about how to memorize English words and make new vocabulary easy to learn. When our brain receives new information, it perceives and then stores it. We may refer to the stored information in the future. If we can't recover anything, then something from the previous phases went wrong. There are several types of memory - short-term, long-term, perceptual memory, etc. The latter receives information through the work of the senses - when we see something, touch it, smell it. Short-term, also called working, stores small pieces of information for short periods of time. When we need to remember a word, we must use the long-term. How to do it most effectively?

Memory is like a muscle, it can atrophy if it doesn't work. Every ability that is neglected weakens. And then it disappears altogether. Memory training is very important in how to learn English words quickly. Most The best way to do this is constant repetition. If you want your memory to work well, then make it work a little every day. the main objective repetition is to make new information stick in our head for a long time without the application of incredible effort.

Please note: one of the most important rules on how to turn a passive vocabulary into an active one is to introduce new words into your colloquial speech and use them as often as possible.

Method 1. Constantly repeat

From the foregoing, it follows that constant repetition is the key to effective vocabulary acquisition. This does not mean that you have to re-read your dictionary all day long. Give time to new vocabulary every day, you will always have 15 minutes to look into the dictionary and make sentences with the vocabulary you need. If you have the opportunity to communicate in English, then the question "how to learn English words" should not be a problem - immediately introduce new words (of course, when it is relevant) into your speech.

Method 2: Turn on your emotions

Emotional attachment and imagination are very important in memorizing new words. Emotions can even double the amount of information we remember. Be interested in what you are learning. Choose interesting and exciting films and books in English for you, read jokes and short funny stories. Look up translations of your favorite songs, and then try to distinguish the words in the flow of speech. Learning does not have to be boring - develop your own path, following which it will be interesting for you to learn the language in the first place.

If you are only at the initial stage of learning a language, then pick up films in Russian with English subtitles, instead of books, try to pick up short stories which you can easily read.

Method 3. Speak the words

Here is another example of how to learn English words. It is no secret that it is easier for each person to memorize, guided by different senses. For example, for some it is better to see a word and remember it visually, while for others it is very important to know its sound form. Pronounce the words, try to imitate the sound form that you hear in the speech of an English-speaking person. If you are watching a movie or listening to a song, do not be too lazy to repeat the words or phrases you like.

Method 4. Learn words in context

Remembering English words will become much easier if you "select" them from the text. Learning a large number of words without reference to the context is meaningless, because they will not be remembered well, and you will not be able to use them effectively in speech. Try to learn the thematic vocabulary you need in groups from the relevant texts.

Why is context still so important when learning words? The meaning of a word can change depending on the context. For example, when studying the verb get, you will come across the fact that this verb has a very large number of meanings. Which one should be remembered first? When you meet a word in a text, you memorize those meanings that are more popular and most used. Let's look at examples of sentences with the same verbs.

verb to get

I got out of the car and saw her walking down the street. I got out of the car and saw her walking down the street.

I don't get what you mean. “I don't understand what you mean.

I got the parcel yesterday, but forgot to unpack it. I received the parcel yesterday, but I forgot to unpack it.

I got in the bed and started reading the book. I climbed into bed and started reading a book.

Get ready - we will arrive in 5 minutes. Get ready - we'll arrive in 5 minutes.

As you can see, the same verb surrounded by different text has different meanings.

Get up - get up

Method 5. Read, read and read again

it good way how to quickly memorize English words. Select literature according to your level of knowledge of the language. If you are learning English to communicate on a specific topic, then choose the appropriate texts. For example, people who learn English for business communication should definitely read newspapers. The more texts you master, the better the repeated words will be remembered, which then you can freely use in your speech, because. you have already seen their use in various texts.

Do not write out all the words in a row, achieve understanding of the text. Keep a dictionary, however, "do not overload" it with a huge mass of words that you will not only remember, but will be quite difficult to reread.

Method 6. Connect intuition and knowledge of grammar

Often in different languages There are words that are very similar in both sound and spelling. If, for example, you are reading a book, then do not pay attention to them, because. your intuition will tell you their meaning. Let's look at examples of such words:

• Computer - computer.
• Organization - organization.
• Number - number.
• Identical - identical.
• Minute - minute.
• Second - second.
• Motorcycle - a motorcycle.
• Program - program.
• Telephone - telephone.
• Grammar - grammar.
• Nose - nose.

Knowing the meaning of prefixes and suffixes will also help you determine the meaning of a word if you understand the meaning of the root.

Prefixes

For example, the prefix dis means separation, the negative meaning of the word.

• Disconnect - disconnect (connect - connect).
• Divide - to divide.
• Distant - remote.
• Distribute - distribute.
• Divorce - divorce.
• Dishonest - dishonest (honest - honest).
• Disrespect - disrespect (respect - respect).
• Disbelief - disbelief (belief - faith).
• Disgrace - shame (grace - grace, decency).

In denotes movement towards the object, inside.

• Inside - inside.
• Income - arrival.
• Inflow - inflow.
• Inbound - arriving.
• Internal - internal.
• Inward - internal.
• Intake - reception.
• Inland is the inner part of the country.

The re prefix often carries the connotation of repetitive action.

• Repeat - repeat.
• Renew - update.
• Retell - retell.
• Review - review.
• Revolve - rotate.
• Rename - rename.
• Remind - remind.
• Remember - remember.
• Replace - replace.

The un prefix denotes the opposite meaning.

• Undo - redo (do - do).
• Unhappy - unhappy (happy - happy).
• Unsatisfied - dissatisfied (satisfied - satisfied).
• Unlock - unlock (lock - lock).
• Unpack - unpack (pack - pack).
• Unemployed - unemployed (employed - hired).

Suffixes

The suffix -er is often used in comparisons.

• Big - bigger (big - more).
• Small - smaller (small - smaller).
• Kind - kinder (kind - kinder).
• Bright - brighter (bright - brighter).
• Funny - funnier (funny - funnier).
• Red - redder (red - redder).
• Clean - cleaner (clean - cleaner).

The suffix less has the meaning "without" or "not under the influence".

• Friendly - not having friends.
• Tireless - tireless.
• Clueless - no idea.
• Priceless - priceless.

We often use the suffix -est to show the superlative degree of an adjective, to denote the meaning of "most".

• The coldest - the coldest.
• The hottest - the hottest.
• The greatest - the greatest, greatest.
• The busiest - the busiest.
• The longest - the longest.

Method 7. Make Mind Maps

Mind map is a scheme in which we associate certain vocabulary with some concept or event. In this case, new words may belong to different parts speech. Words will be remembered more easily thanks to associations, as well as division into groups.

Let's look at an example of a small similar scheme that will demonstrate how to quickly memorize English words. For example, you want to learn vocabulary related to the office. The main word in this scheme will be office. From this word another one will depart, let's call it a word of the second rank, it will include all the actions that people usually perform from day to day while in the office. This word work - to work. We will refer to it the following lexical group:

• To call - call.
• To wait - wait.
• To argue - to argue.
• To discuss - discuss.
• To write - write.
• To type - print.
• To sign - to sign.

Mind map - associative map

We can also make a group of words that describe all the main objects that can be seen in the office. This group can be called furniture and equipment (furniture and equipment).

• Desk - a table.
• Task chair - office chair.
• Telephone - telephone.
• Computer - computer.
• keyboard - keyboard.
• Monitor - monitor.
• Printer - printer.
• Calendar - calendar.
• Noticeboard - notice board.

• Pen - pen.
• Pencil - a pencil.
• Marker - marker.
• Scissors - scissors.
• Paper clips - paper clips.
• Stapler - stapler.
• Paper - paper.

Office supplies - office supplies

Repeat the basic principles for memorizing words:

Do you want to learn how to learn English words quickly and easily? We will tell you how many words you need to know, where to get them from, what tools to use and how to learn all this in general. Use at least a few tips and you can expand your vocabulary.

All students are interested in the question: "How to learn English words?" The more vocabulary we know, the better we understand what the heroes of our favorite English films are talking about, what is written on the Tate Modern museum plaques, and how favorable the terms of the deal are offered by our partners from the USA. Today we will give some recommendations that will help you learn new vocabulary effectively.

How many English words do you need to know

We recommend that you take the Online English Vocabulary Size Test (immediately click on the Start button) or Test Your Vocab to test your vocabulary. It will show your approximate vocabulary which you can compare with the average scores of native speakers and English learners. On average 3,000 - 4,000 words will be enough to communicate on most topics.

However, we want to warn you: do not rely entirely on the results of the test. It can only give a rough estimate of your vocabulary.

2. Special textbooks

Textbooks to increase vocabulary will help you learn new words and set expressions in which they are used. The benefits of manuals are that they provide lists of words along with examples of their use, so words are learned in context. We have presented a detailed one, be guided by it to choose the best manual.

3. Lists or dictionaries of high-frequency words

How to understand whether it is worth memorizing the next new English word that you met? It may have fallen into disuse or is rarely used. You can refer to lists of words that are most commonly used by native speakers. We recommend you lists from the Oxford Dictionary - The Oxford 3000 British Dictionary and The Oxford 3000 American Dictionary. This is the 3000 most meaningful words that every English learner should know. They have been carefully selected by linguists and experienced teachers. You can recognize these words in the Oxford dictionary itself by the key icon.

Tools for learning new words

1. Cards with words

This technique may seem old-fashioned, but it is still effective. All students at least once in their lives started cards and tried to learn new vocabulary from them. It is convenient and affordable: no need to spend money, because you write them yourself, and you can take the cards with you anywhere.

Before compiling cards, you need to help:

• choose a translation;
• get acquainted with typical phrases in which the word is used;
• study examples.

Then you should decide whether you will make paper vocabulary cards or electronic ones.

• On one side of the piece of paper we write the word in English, on the other - in Russian. We test our knowledge: we translate a word from Russian into English and vice versa.

  

• On the one hand, we write a word in English and paste a picture, on the other hand, a translation into Russian. This method is well suited for people with associative thinking. In your mind, you associate a new English concept with the subject it denotes.

  

• On the one hand, we write a word in English with a Russian context, on the other hand, a word in Russian without a context. When repeating vocabulary, try to translate the concept from Russian into English. And with a translation to reverse side the second side of the card with the Russian context will help you.

  

• More experienced students are advised to use English-English dictionaries, such as Macmillan Dictionary. On one side we write the word in English, on the other - its definition in English. You can also write synonyms and antonyms of the concept under study.

  

• How to learn vocabulary? Remembering English words is best in context. Therefore, you can write on the card not just a word, but a sentence in which it is used. Example sentences can be found in electronic dictionaries, such as ABBYY Lingvo.

  

Electronic cards

If it's hard to tear you away from the computer, use your affection for good: create virtual stickers with words on your desktop and in a few days you will remember them well.

To create electronic vocabulary cards, we recommend the Quizlet service, which allows you to memorize words in different ways: choose the correct translation from four proposed ones, fill in gaps in sentences and play games with words. Here you can also track your progress: which words are harder for you than others, how quickly you learn new vocabulary. There is an app for iOS as well. An alternative resource is Memrise. His free version has limited functionality, but it will be enough for compiling cards.

You need to constantly work with cards: review and repeat the learned vocabulary. Periodically change the cards to new ones, and after 1-2 weeks return the old ones again to repeat the words.

2. Dictionary notebook

This method is good for those who constantly lose something: your cards are unlikely to last long :-)

You can structure your notebook however you like. We present our version. Each page must correspond to a specific day. At the top, write the dates of the repetition of the words. In order for the studied vocabulary to be well fixed in memory, do not forget to train it. To do this, use the techniques described by us in the article "".

3. Mindmap

You can easily learn English words of the same subject if you draw a mind map. Such a scheme clearly shows which topic the words belong to. In the meantime, you draw it, the vocabulary will be deposited in memory. A mind map might look like this:

4. Learning websites and apps

On the way to work in the subway or in line at the clinic, use any free minute to learn new words. You will find useful programs for your gadget in the article "".

It is enough to practice 10-20 minutes daily to feel the progress.

1. Combine words by topic

How easy is it to remember English words? Groups of words related to the same topic are usually well remembered. Therefore, try to break the words into groups of 5-10 pieces and learn them.

There is a so-called Restorff effect, according to which the human brain best remembers the most prominent from a group of objects. Use this effect to your advantage: in a group of words on one topic, “introduce a stranger” - enter a word from a completely different topic. For example, when studying words on the topic “Fruits”, add one word from the topic “Transport” to them, in this way your studies will become even more effective.

2. Use associations and personalization

Many students love this method: to learn a word, you need to come up with an association in Russian. For example, you need to remember the word obstinacy (stubbornness). Break it down into three syllables: ob-stin-acy, you get "stubborn as a donkey against a wall." The word shoot (to shoot) can be remembered as "the jester shoots." You can make convenient associations yourself, the main thing is that they are clear to you and easy to remember. This will make it easier for you to increase your English vocabulary.

Training will be effective if you not only make a verbal association, but also visualize it: when pronouncing the word shoot, imagine this shooting jester, let the image turn out to be as funny and memorable as possible. Even better, a dynamic picture with your personal presence: you imagine how the jester next to you shoots someone (with a water pistol to make the spectacle comedic, not tragic). The more alive the picture, the easier it will be to remember the word.

3. Use the learned vocabulary in speech

How to learn English words and not forget them? Are you familiar with the use it or lose it principle? In order for knowledge to remain in memory, you need to actively “use” it. It is good practice to make short stories using new words. The best remembered vocabulary is set out in a short funny text, which is written about oneself, beloved or dear to the heart of things.

If you take courses or study with an English teacher, try to insert new words into the conversation as often as possible: the more times you say the word, the better you will remember it. Do not forget about spelling: try to use new words in writing.

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

Tell me and I will forget. Teach me and I will remember. Make me do it and I'll learn.

Learn new words and put them into practice right away with .

4. Regularly test your knowledge

It is useful from time to time to take various tests to determine the level of vocabulary. For example, great picture tests (a joy for visuals and kids) are provided on the Vocabulary for learners of English page. After passing such a test, you will immediately see what is deposited in your memory, and which topics or words need to be repeated.

5. Follow your daily plan

7. Improve your memory

It is impossible to remember anything if you do not have a good memory. Learning a language in itself is a good exercise for our brain and improves memory. But to make it easier to remember, you can use the tips from our article "".

8. Consider your type of perception of information

Not all methods are equally good for you. Don't try to apply everything at once. Try text, video, or audio formats and choose the ones that help you pick up new words faster. So you will come to your author's mix of techniques.

The main thing - do not forget to move from theory to practice. Don't just read helpful tips about how to memorize English words quickly and easily, but also actively use them in Everyday life, then you do not have to puzzle over how to increase your level of knowledge.

Do you count cards and notebooks with the words "yesterday"? Then try to learn words according to the current British textbooks in the online English courses at our school. Our students learn words and phrases in context, use them in a lively dialogue with the teacher, memorize new vocabulary easily and quickly. !