How can I improve my English vocabulary/learn more English vocabulary?

Modified on Fri, 24 Oct at 8:33 AM

Improving vocabulary is about noticing new words, recording them in a useful way, reviewing them regularly, and then using them in writing and speaking. Make this a habit and over time your English vocabulary range will become wider.

A good starting point is to read and listen to English every day. You could read articles, watch videos, or listen to podcasts. When you come across new words or phrases, write them in a vocabulary notebook. Look up their meanings in a dictionary, check common collocations and synonyms, and write your own example sentences. Learning collocations helps make your writing and speaking natural and learning synonyms will give you greater range, allowing you to be more precise depending on the context.

There are many great sources of new vocabulary on our site including the Reading texts and audios in our Reading and Listening mock tests and practice tasks. The example answers found in the History area for Writing and Speaking, especially the high band score examples, are also a rich source of advanced language used in context.

You can also get creative with how you record vocabulary. Try making mindmaps to connect related words and ideas, or write words on coloured slips of paper with definitions and example sentences. Put these in prominent places around your room, like near your desk, so you can review them while doing everyday activities. Check out the courses for Speaking in the Study area of the site as these have some useful training on how to discover and record new language as you learn it.

Remember to review new vocabulary regularly. Go back to your vocabulary notes each week and test yourself. You can do this by covering definitions and trying to recall them, or by making your own quizzes.

Finally, try to use the words actively. Write short paragraphs or answers to practice questions using your new language items, and try to include them when speaking. The more you use a word, the more likely it is to stick in your memory.