12/07/2021
How to 'activate' your vocabulary.
Many students have a large 'passive' vocabulary (words you recognise when reading or listening) but they need to transfer these to their 'active' vocabulary bank. In other words, to use these words more freely when writing, but especially when speaking . How can you do this?
1) Notice new words. Highlight them if on a page/ make a mental note / add note to your phone if in conversation.
2) Continue to 'look out' for these words - turn on your vocabulary 'radar''.
3) Study the various contexts this new word/phrase can be used in. Notice any changes in meaning when the context changes. Is there any grammar related to the word such as a preposition, verb pattern or collocation ('to charge past Trippier'.. , 'contemplating passing', a 'thorn in England's side', to 'sprint away' etc.- sorry football fans!)?
4) Revisit these words often- write them on pieces of paper and keep them in your pocket! Write a few sentences with them changing the subject/ object/ context.
5) Experiment - don't be afraid to make mistakes. Encourage your listener to correct you.
Obviously having a good English tutor can help you to transfer words from your passive to active vocabulary... If you don't have one ask a friend to correct you and don't be afraid to stop them when you hear a new word/ phrase - making the mental note is just the start of the passive-active journey.
