Exercises to improve your vocabulary. Improve your vocabulary

The richest and most beautiful Russian language allows people who speak it to express themselves in a variety of ways. Accuracy of formulation and beautiful speech depend on vocabulary that a person owns. The more words he uses, the more intellectually developed he is considered. Therefore, it becomes important to increase the number of words used.

Scientific vocabulary is called a lexicon, meaning words familiar to an individual, a group, or included in a language. It is conventionally divided into;

• Active. The first group includes words used every day. They are included in both written and oral speech. Sign active vocabulary- free use, not requiring additional application effort.
• Passive. Passive words include understandable words that appear in various sources, but are not used in speech, or are used but extremely rarely. They are used when necessary, but it takes effort to remember.
• External. The external lexicon denotes unknown words related to specific areas knowledge. These are professional terms, neologisms, etc. It is hardly possible to make clear boundaries between these groups. They are rather shaky and fluctuate in one direction or the other. When growing up and mental development the lexicon is growing.

So, if a child going to first grade speaks two thousand words, then in the last grade this number already grows to five thousand. For those who study and develop further, the vocabulary reaches 10,000 words or more. Then most of them are classified as passive stock.

Erudite people sometimes speak even 50,000 words. But only a small part is used daily when communicating. The rest of the vocabulary is used only with intellectuals like him.

Exercises to expand your vocabulary

The following exercises are performed in written or oral form.

• Nouns. They tell a short story using only nouns. "Day. Work. End. Exit. Door. Key. Entrance. Car. Key. Ignition" and so on.
• Verbs. The same thing that was told using nouns is repeated, only with verbs.
• Adjectives and adverbs. Then comes the turn of other parts of speech.
• Alphabet. Come up with related words that sequentially begin with the letters of the alphabet in order. “Alena talks in the evening, walking to the treasured spruce tree, gesticulating and eloquently cherishing the cute tender dandelions. Pasha follows nearby, dragging a convenient chrome flashlight, often catching the nimble chirping with an extravagant humorous language.”
• Monophone. They come up with their own speech, the words of which begin with the same letter. Each of them is connected to each other, even if the meaning suffers.

It is not easy to do each of the exercises. But words gradually move from a passive vocabulary to an active one and it is replenished.

Techniques for expanding your vocabulary without extra time

Developing vocabulary is essentially necessary for voicing your thoughts, intentions, analysis and conclusions. This skill is strengthened by practice and weakened by its absence. Therefore, in order to develop your speech, you should constantly communicate. The growth of vocabulary is ensured: by learning new words that we hear from our interlocutors; precise definitions when words are translated from a passive vocabulary into an active one.

• Therefore, it is advisable to communicate with unlike people. These are friends, neighbors, fellow students, comrades in gym. People meeting on the Internet on forums and pages social networks, travel companions and vendors also serve as opportunities for communication and as a way to expand your speech.
• Another effective way replenish your vocabulary, which does not require special time - listening to audio books. This is relevant when you have to spend a lot of time on the road, driving your car, ideal for auditory learners (for people who better perceive information by ear). A variety of books are sold in this format: novels, aphorisms, and philosophical teachings. By recording it on a flash drive, you can now not get bored in a traffic jam, but listen to a fascinating story. It is convenient to listen to audio books before bed.

Replenishing vocabulary with time allocation

The following activities will help increase your vocabulary.

• Reading. Reading is a rich source of information. Books, newspapers, online publications, magazines - everywhere there are inexhaustible reserves of replenishing the vocabulary. It is advisable to allocate an hour a day for this exciting activity. Sometimes it's good to say the words out loud.
• Studying foreign language. Do not limit your vocabulary to knowledge of one Russian language. Others are also useful to study. How more people enriches his speech, the better connections are provided, and it is easier to recall words from memory.
• Games. There are interesting and exciting linguistic games: charades, puzzles and the like. When they guess them, they inevitably become interested in the words and meaning.
• Diary. Another useful activity is keeping a diary. When it is impossible to take foreign language courses, they write for themselves. This good way improve your vocabulary, because when taking notes, you formulate thoughts that are in the emotional and motivating spheres.
• Memorization. Memorization makes it possible to introduce new words into the active stock. This is done by retelling what is heard, memorizing verses and definitions. It is one of the most effective methods of acquiring new knowledge.

For this it is important:

• include new words in speech every day;
• apply notebook, putting in there intricate statements, words, phrases with clever expressions;
• study the essence of new words by adding visualization techniques;
• memorize poems, quotes, sayings, etc.

Improving your vocabulary requires conscious action. To achieve beautiful speech, constant training is required. Ignoring new words will not give them a chance to enter the active or passive vocabulary. It turns out that those who want to expand their vocabulary and enrich their language should make regular volitional efforts for this.

Modern society has lost the ability to express themselves beautifully and correctly. Therefore, when words flow from a person like a deep river, you involuntarily listen, experiencing genuine interest in his personality.

The art of speaking beautifully can be mastered. To do this, you need to replenish your vocabulary so that you can express your thoughts correctly and convey the meaning of what is said to the listener. We are offering to you 10 ways to quickly expand your vocabulary.

1. Reading books.

The surest and most effective way to expand your vocabulary is reading. By reading the book, you will not only gain new knowledge and plunge into an interesting artistic world, but also learn many new words that you will encounter while reading. If the meaning of a word is not clear to you, then you should write it down in a notebook and look up the meaning in an explanatory dictionary. In order for your vocabulary to constantly expand, you should set aside at least one hour a day for reading. This way, you can read enough books in a year to change your worldview and make you an interesting conversationalist.

2. Watch a video.

Quickly expand your vocabulary Not only books will help, but also various video materials (television quiz shows, intellectual shows, training courses and feature films). Of course, watching television series or the program “Dom-2” cannot be classified as educational video. Therefore, be able to distinguish useful material from the “garbage” that only clogs your mind. While watching an intellectual video, do not forget to write down new words in a notepad.

3. Listen to audio materials.

Audio materials, which include various audio seminars, audio lessons and audio books, will also help you replenish your vocabulary. Having found necessary information, just download it to your player or phone and listen to it at any time convenient for you. Also, don’t forget to use a notepad to write down new words whose meaning you can find in a dictionary.

4. Encyclopedias and dictionaries.

Nothing expands your vocabulary better than using encyclopedias and dictionaries. It is best if you have such books in your direct access: On a table or bookshelf. At any time convenient for you, we can use the knowledge that is in these sources. Dictionaries will help you find out the meanings of words (explanatory, phraseological, synonyms and others), encyclopedias will open up the world interesting information about almost everything in the world. There is also online encyclopedia–Wikipedia, where you can interpret almost any word or phenomenon, read the biography of great people or dive into history.

5. Communication with people.

This method is also a means. But the quality of your vocabulary will directly depend on the people with whom you communicate. If you are surrounded by only intellectuals, then you will be drawn to that level. Therefore, in communication, it is necessary to strive to interact with those who are more skilled or know more than you, so that such communication can raise your level of knowledge and expand your vocabulary.

6. Use new words.

This method is aimed at the active use of vocabulary. Often, many words simply “fly out of your head” and it takes some effort to remember them. The more often you use new words in your conversation, the faster they will enter your “comfort zone” and you will be able to operate with them. To improve the level of your speech, you can replace everyday words with synonyms of new words, and then your interlocutors will be delighted to communicate with you.

7. Writing develops speech.

Practice constructing competent phrases in your writing. This will also allow you expand your vocabulary and express your thoughts correctly. It is not necessary to write large texts, just a few simply stated phrases that will relate to some specific issue. An excellent hobby can be writing one or two articles a day on any topic that you consider necessary. While writing, you not only develop your vocabulary, but also learn how to insert them correctly and concisely into a sentence, which greatly activates your creativity. This way you train not only your speech, but also your brain.

8. Memorization notes.

There are always words that are quite difficult to remember. In order to facilitate this process, you can write 1 to 3 words on stickers and hang them throughout the apartment. Thus, you will also connect visual memory, which will allow you to remember new words. Unnecessary reminder words on your household appliances or on the computer will refresh your knowledge, and soon you will be able to use it in your speech.

9. Keep yourself busy with crosswords, scanwords and other intellectual activities.

No less useful exercise for the mind is solving crosswords or scanwords. Today such material is sold at every newsstand. Solving one crossword puzzle every day will allow you to learn something new and while away your leisure time. It’s rare that you can solve the entire crossword puzzle on your own; sometimes you’ll have to turn to encyclopedias or the Internet for help, but that doesn’t help. similar activity does not lose its usefulness.

10. Show interest.

A person who is always interested in new things will keep his mind alive for a long time. Try to strive for new knowledge and get all the necessary information from books or the Internet. Expand the horizons of your knowledge and communication. The world is so wide and diverse that a lifetime is not enough to unravel its secrets and riddles. As long as you have an interest in everything new, you are alive and full of strength. Develop and strive for the best!

Learning is a continuous process. You can become an erudite person as in adolescence, and in retirement age, when you are already over eighty, simply expanding your vocabulary. Develop habits that will help you remember and use the most accurate words in your language. And it will become easier for you to communicate, write and think. After you read more specific tips for expanding your vocabulary, read to the end of this article.

Steps

Part 1

Learn new words

Read avidly. When you graduate from school, you will no longer be given exercises on words, and in general there will be no homework, which at one time forced you to learn new words. You can just stop reading. But if you want to expand your vocabulary, make yourself a reading plan and stick to it.

• You can try reading one book a week or just reading the newspaper every morning. Choose a reading pace that suits you, and create a reading program that fits into your schedule.
• Try to read at least one book and a couple of magazines every week. Be consistent. You will not only increase your vocabulary, but you will also be up to date and know what happened. You will expand your stock general knowledge and you will be an educated, comprehensively developed person.

1. Read serious literature. Set yourself the task of reading as many books as you have the time and desire to do. Read the classics. Read old and new works of art. Read poetry. Read Herman Melville, William Faulkner and Virginia Woolf.

   Read also online sources and “low-quality tabloid” literature. Read online magazines, essays and blogs on various topics. Read music reviews and fashion blogs. True, this vocabulary does not apply to high style. But to have an extensive vocabulary, you need to know both the meaning of the word "inner monologue" and the meaning of the word "twerking." To be well-read means to be familiar with both the work of Geoffrey Chaucer and the work of Lee Child.

   Look up every word you don't know in the dictionary. When you see an unfamiliar word, don't pass it over with irritation. Try to understand its meaning from the context of the sentence, and then look it up in a dictionary to clarify its meaning.

   • Get yourself a small notebook and immediately write down all the unfamiliar words that you come across so you can check their meaning later. If you hear or see a word you don't know, be sure to look it up in the dictionary.

2. Read the dictionary. Immerse yourself in it headfirst. Read dictionary entries about words that are still unfamiliar to you. To make this process more fun, a very good dictionary is necessary. Therefore, look for a dictionary that gives detailed explanations about the origin and use of words, as this will help you not only remember the word, but also enjoy working with the dictionary.

   Read the dictionary of synonyms. Look for synonyms for words that you often use and try to use them.

   Part 2

   Use new words

   1. Set yourself a goal. If you are determined to expand your vocabulary, set a goal for yourself. Try to learn three new words a week and use them in speech and writing. Through conscious effort, you can learn several thousand new words that you will remember and use. If you can't use a word correctly in a sentence, it means it's not part of your vocabulary.

      • If you can easily memorize three words a week, then raise the bar. Next week try to learn 10 words.
      • If you look up 20 new words a day in the dictionary, you will find it difficult to use them correctly. Be realistic and develop a practical vocabulary that you can actually use.

   2. Use flash cards or post-its throughout the house. If you're going to make a habit of learning new words, try a few simple techniques memorize as if you were studying for a test. Place a sticky note over the coffee maker that explains the word you hope to remember, so you can learn it while you make your morning cup of coffee. Attach a new word to each indoor plant, and thus you will learn while you water them.

      • Even when you're watching TV or doing other things, keep a few flashcards handy and learn new words. Expand your vocabulary under any circumstances.

   3. Write more. Start journaling if you haven't already, or start a virtual journal. Flexing your muscles intensely while writing will help you remember words better.

      • Write letters to old friends and describe everything down to the smallest detail. If your letters tend to be short and simple, change that up: start writing longer letters or emails than you've previously written. Spend more time composing letters as if you were writing a school essay. Make smart choices.
      • Do more written work assignments. If you usually avoid drawing up orders, writing collective emails or participating in group discussions, change your habits and write more. Plus, you might get paid for expanding your vocabulary.

   4. Use adjectives and nouns correctly and accurately. The best writers strive for brevity and precision. Get a dictionary and use the most accurate words in your sentences. Don't use three words where you can easily get by with just one. The word that shortens total words in a sentence will be a very valuable addition to your vocabulary.

      • For example, the phrase “dolphins and whales” can be replaced with the single word “cetaceans.” So "cetaceans" is a useful word.
      • A word is also useful if it is more expressive than the phrase or word it replaces. For example, many people's voices can be described as "pleasant." But if someone Very pleasant voice, then it is better to say that he has a voice that “caresses the ear.”

   5. Don't show it off. Inexperienced writers think that they will improve their writing if they use the thesaurus function twice in each sentence. Microsoft Word. But actually it is not. Use of pretentious language and correct writing words will make your writing sound pompous. But what's worse is that it will make your writing less precise than more common words. Proper use words are characteristic a true writer and a sure sign of a large vocabulary.

      • You could say that "Iron Mike" is Mike Tyson's nickname, but the word "nickname" would be more accurate and appropriate in this sentence. Therefore, the word "nickname" is less useful in your vocabulary.

   Part 3

   Improve your vocabulary

   1. Subscribe to the “Word of the Day” newsletter in one of the online dictionaries. You can also get yourself a “Word of the Day” calendar. Remember to read the words on that page every day, try to memorize the words of each day and also use them in your speech throughout the day.

      • Visit word-building sites (like freerice.com) and expand your vocabulary while you satisfy your hunger or do something else useful.
      • There are many online sites dedicated to compiling alphabetical lists unusual, strange, outdated and difficult words. Take advantage search engine to find these sites and learn from them. This is a great way to pass the time while waiting for a bus or standing in line at the bank.

   2. Solve word puzzles and play word games. Word puzzles are a great source of new words because puzzlers often have to use great amount rarely used words, so that all the words fit into their puzzles, and so that they are interesting for those who solve them. There are many varieties of word puzzles, including crosswords, find the word, and hidden word puzzles. Along with expanding your vocabulary, puzzles will also help improve your skills critical thinking. Concerning word games, try games like Scrabble, Boggle and Cranium to expand your vocabulary.

      Learn some Latin. Although it may seem like a dead language, knowing a little Latin is a great way to learn about the origins of many English words, and besides, it will help you understand the meaning of those words that you do not yet know without looking in the dictionary. There are educational resources for Latin on the Internet, as well as a wealth of texts (check out your favorite old bookstore).

   Warnings

   • Keep in mind that you may use words that other people may not know. This can create barriers to communication and understanding. So be prepared to use simpler synonyms in different contexts to mitigate this problem. In other words, don't be boring.

Great Russian language! Research by modern linguists shows that it contains about two hundred thousand words. However, the average Russian uses no more than three thousand lexical constructions in everyday life. There are many methods on how to expand your Russian vocabulary. Get to know the most effective techniques You can improve the culture of speech in the article.
Tip #1. Reading-learning A book is an endless source of knowledge.
Expanding vocabulary through reading, analyzing and memorizing information is one of the most effective methods of speech enrichment. How to expand your Russian vocabulary and what to read for this? You should study not only fiction, but also popular science, specialized literature by Russian and foreign authors, and poetry. It is important to adhere to the following rules:

• slow, thoughtful reading followed by text analysis;


• concentration on new terms, phrases, lexical constructions;


• the practice of reading aloud, memorizing, or retelling a text.

Having come across an unfamiliar word, you need to write it down in a separate notebook/notebook, select synonyms, memorize the interpretation and try to apply it in everyday life.

Tip #5. Using dictionaries Specialized textbooks that study the etymology of words can open up new horizons native language. You can use either classic volumes from Dahl or Ozhegov, or use online services to learn new words. It is noteworthy that explanatory dictionaries, in addition to interpretation, also contain examples of the use of the term in context, which allows it to be included in the active lexicon.

A mandatory point in working with a dictionary is to transfer unknown terms to a separate notebook. It is important to review your notes from time to time. A list of words located in a prominent place does an excellent job of replenishing the vocabulary of the Russian language. Placing sticky notes with terms on your desk, refrigerator, or mirror engages your visual memory in the process of learning new vocabulary. Do not neglect flashcards: a word is written on one side and its definition on the other.
For beginning linguists: tricks for learning your native language

• Solving word puzzles. Crossword, scrabble, boggle or cranium - if you choose a game you like, you can not only have a lot of fun, but also expand your vocabulary and learn to think critically.


• Regular training is the key to success. If the daily “load” is 3 words, then in a month your vocabulary will increase by 90, and in a year - by 1080 words!


• The secret from the series on how to expand your Russian vocabulary, which many people neglect, is listening to audiobooks, podcasts, lectures and public speaking cultural and scientific figures. While cleaning or commuting, such activities help enrich vocabulary.

How to replenish the vocabulary of the Russian language for students and children?
Speech abilities in children are formed by the age of five: upon reaching this age, the child should be able to use various structures complex sentences, master the skills of word formation and inflection, have a sufficient vocabulary. Lack of communication, neglect of reading, problems with pronunciation are factors that lead to the child having passive knowledge of speech.

Applying vocabulary expansion techniques for adults to children is ineffective. They will come to the rescue following rules from teachers, speech therapists and neuropsychologists: they shared secrets of how to expand their Russian vocabulary in childhood.

• No confusion! If a child calls mittens gloves and plates saucers, it makes sense to help the child see the differences between these objects through visual analysis. For example, after drawing things that cause confusion, conduct a detailed inspection of them and highlight the differences.


• Verbal communication. Association games allow children to develop abstract thinking. For example, a child should select several nouns, adjectives and verbs (preferably synonymous) for the word “guitar”: “music” and “sound”, “ringing” and “loud”, “playing” and “strumming”.


• Hidden meaning. Concrete thinking is inherent in children up to 7 years old; later they begin to grasp the “messages” of the author and learn to read “between the lines.” Discussing proverbs and sayings helps develop the ability to understand figurative meaning.


• Reading and communication. Important aspects In the question of how to replenish a child’s Russian vocabulary, communication and reading skills are key. You should always listen to your child, and also remember to instill in him a love of literature.

How to quickly expand your Russian vocabulary? Use all of the above methods in a comprehensive manner. It is important to remember that success is achieved only hard work, and erudite and developed personality become those who are ready to constantly work on themselves.

How to improve your English vocabulary? How to learn a large number of English words in a short period? Today we will try to answer these questions and give practical advice on how to enrich your English vocabulary.

First of all, friends, understand that it is impossible to learn absolutely the entire vocabulary in English due to human abilities and brain devices. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to significantly expand your vocabulary. And now we will tell you how this can be done.

For daily communication we need 1500 - 2000 words. This is quite enough to go on a trip, do some shopping, and have a conversation in an informal setting.

Now let's discuss ways to replenish your vocabulary with new words.

• Select the required topic.

Most effective method is to learn vocabulary on a specific topic: family, shopping, summer rest, the winter vacation, travel, etc. This will help you come across words with the same root; in addition, words of the same area of ​​use are logically related, they are in the same context, so it will be easier for you to find the right word in memory (in any case, a synonym or explanatory expression will be found). Let's expand our vocabulary!

• Label objects.

This method may seem funny to you, but it works. Write on sticky notes English names items in your home and stick these pieces of paper on objects: on a teapot, on a mug, on a bag, on a powder compact, etc. This is a temporary measure until you learn the words. This way, you can learn, for example, kitchen utensils, dishes or room furnishings, furniture.

• Listen to English speech.

There is no way without this, friends. Try to watch talk shows, listen to TV and radio programs on English language. While listening, write down unfamiliar words and expressions, and then learn them by heart.

• Learn words using cards.

This method is suitable for those who travel to work or home by subway. Prepare cards in advance with English words on one side, and on the other with the Russian translation of these words. String these cards on a cord and study as many words as you can learn along the way. This is very effective method replenishment of English words, because you have to ride the subway every day, which means you study every day.

• Read in English.

Perhaps reading is the most The best way, which will help enrich the vocabulary of the English language, since visual memory works here. Start with short and light stories, gradually move on to stories and novels. When reading in English, try to understand the meaning, translate, but not literally, but general outline to know what we are talking about.

• Immerse yourself in the environment.

If you have the opportunity, friends, go to a country where they speak English. Being among such people and hearing only English spoken every day, 24 hours a day, you will speak English within two to three months. Such an environment will involve you on its own and you simply will have no choice. If this is not possible, then study English with a tutor, and not twice a week, but every day; and not one hour a day, but three to four hours. This is the only way you can expand your vocabulary.

• Learn different parts of speech.

It's about learning more than just nouns. In one lesson, try to cover several nouns, several verbs and adjectives, as well as adverbs, prepositions, etc. If you pay attention to words in only one part of speech, you will have gaps in the rest.

• To communicate in English.

If you have the opportunity, try to speak English with your parents, friend or relative. If this is not possible, try making friends with the British or Americans on social networks and correspond with them in English. Ask them to point out and correct your mistakes. By communicating with a native speaker, you will be able to get acquainted with the peculiarities of live English speech.

Friends, above were presented basic recommendations for enriching vocabulary that work effectively. And now we would like to draw your attention to some details that also very significantly improve and replenish the vocabulary of the English language.

• Make the dictionary yours reference book. Use not only English-Russian, Russian-English dictionaries, but also English-English, that is, a dictionary in which English words are explained in English. Give up online translators, they often translate literally, resulting in outright nonsense. A dictionary is much more useful and effective.
• Learn words, as well as synonyms and antonyms for them. This way your vocabulary will be much wider.
• Once you’ve learned a number of new words, don’t forget to use them in your speech to keep your vocabulary alive. After all, theory without practice is useless.
• It is advisable to learn new words every day, at least for 10-15 minutes. This is much more effective than studying once or twice a week for three to four hours.

We hope that you have chosen the method you like. We wish you good luck and as many new English words as possible into your vocabulary!