3 Things You Need to NEVER Forget Vocabulary Again

Summary

In this video, Keith from the Keith Speaking Academy shares effective strategies for learning English vocabulary deeply. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a few useful and interesting words, understanding their meaning, knowing how to use them, and being able to apply them confidently. Keith also advises learning vocabulary through context in reading and listening, reviewing frequently, and practicing using words in sentences and conversations. By following this method, learners can improve their vocabulary retention and overall speaking confidence. Patience and consistency are key to mastering vocabulary and becoming a fluent English speaker.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prioritize your vocabulary learning by focusing on words that are relevant and useful to your level.
• 😀 Learn vocabulary deeply rather than memorizing thousands of words poorly.
• 😀 To learn words deeply, you need to: 1) Understand the word, 2) Know how to use it, 3) Be able to use it.
• 😀 Reading and listening are two major opportunities for learning vocabulary.
• 😀 While learning, make sure to jot down interesting or useful new words.
• 😀 When you encounter a new word, first try to guess its meaning from the context, then check it with a dictionary.
• 😀 Be careful with words that have multiple meanings; always scroll down to see all definitions.
• 😀 Understand the word's form (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) to use it correctly in different contexts.
• 😀 Pay attention to collocations – words that commonly go together – when learning vocabulary.
• 😀 Practice using new vocabulary by repeating example sentences, shadowing audio, and creating your own examples.
• 😀 Consistent reviewing of vocabulary is crucial for retention and improving your English over time.

Q & A

What are the two main opportunities to learn vocabulary mentioned in the video?

The two main opportunities to learn vocabulary are when you're reading and when you're listening.

How should you select the words you want to learn?

You should focus on key vocabulary, which includes words that are either interesting or useful to your level. The idea is to learn fewer words but more deeply.

What is the first step in learning a word deeply?

The first step is to understand the word. This involves guessing its meaning from context and then verifying it using a dictionary if needed.

How can you guess the meaning of a word in context?

You can guess the meaning of a word by breaking it down into parts and analyzing it based on the context of the sentence or situation.

What is important to check when you look up a word in the dictionary?

It's important to check the different meanings of the word, as words can have multiple meanings. Always scroll down in the dictionary to find the most relevant definition.

What are collocations, and why are they important?

Collocations are words that commonly go together. They are important because learning them helps you use words naturally and fluently in the right context.

How should you practice using a new word after learning it?

You should practice by repeating sentences using the word, making your own examples, and gradually integrating them into conversations. You can also try shadowing the language by repeating it as you hear it.

What is shadowing, and how does it help?

Shadowing is the technique of repeating spoken language almost simultaneously with the speaker. It helps with intonation, pronunciation, and vocabulary retention.

Why is it important to review vocabulary regularly?

Regular review helps reinforce what you've learned and ensures that you don’t forget new vocabulary. It strengthens your ability to use the words in different contexts over time.

What does Keith suggest for practicing new vocabulary in conversations?

Keith suggests writing down two or three new words and then practicing them with a speaking partner. Let the partner know you're trying to practice, which helps you get more comfortable using the words.