photo courtesy of Image*After
So you think you have what it takes to memorize information? How good are you at memorizing words? Students who are preparing to enter college and even college students have a big need to learn “big words.” The SAT is notorious for using complicated words to test your understanding of not only context but also comprehension. Sure, the SAT no longer has those dreaded analogies, but it does still have the reading section. Why bother memorizing words when you can learn them and use them in your everyday writing and/or talk?
The problem with memorizing words is that you will often forget them after several days. The trick is that you need to learn HOW those words are USED in everyday instances. According to my professors and friends, my writing (my blog does not count) is quite advanced and equivalent to what most researchers and academic professionals use. This includes (note: it’s just a small list):
- use of proper grammar
- use of intellectual words
- correct use of images, figures, and tables
So what’s my secret? It’s really not a secret, but more of a formula for success:
- I read books, magazines, flyers, blogs, websites, etc.
- I note down and look up words I don’t know as soon as possible
- I practice using those words in writing and in everyday conversation
There you have it! That is my formula for successfully learning how to use words rather than simply memorizing them. Now let’s go further and I’ll explain each step in more detail.
An In-Depth Look At My Formula For Learning Words Successfully
1. Read Read Read
Yes, your mother’s advice on reading was correct. The more you read, the better it is. However, you should also read a variety of different publications. This means, read different magazines such as Forbes, Car and Driver, Cosmopolitan, etc. Honestly, it may seem weird reading a “chick” magazine, but you’ll be surprised as to how well thought out and well written the articles are. How about reading books from different authors? From my experience, reading books by the classical authors works wonders for your grammar skills and word-hunting expeditions. These authors include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe, etc.
The key here is that you want to focus on the type of words they use and their use of grammar. You don’t necessarily need to enjoy the material, but you should have the attitude that you want to observe their usage and see how you can learn from it. In a way, you’re doing the same thing that your high school English teachers wanted you to learn.
2. Write it down if you don’t know it!
If you don’t know a particular word, WRITE IT DOWN! What if you’re on the go and don’t have a pen and paper handy? Use your phone and write up a draft text message with the word. You don’t even need to send yourself a text message. The point is that you should note down any word that you are unfamiliar with. The second step is then to look it up and learn the meaning of the word.
What I generally do is look up words as I am reading. This way, I can understand how the word was used in context. It helps to understand what I am reading and it is definitely much more beneficial to me than to wait and look up words. However, there is nothing wrong with compiling a list of words and then looking up their definitions. Try it out and see what method works for you.
3. Practice what you have just learned
Remember what the problem with memorizing words is? You eventually forget what you memorized. The best thing to do is to practice using the words you have just learned. I do the following:
- Write down the word five times
- Write down the definition of the word in your own words
- Write a minimum of five good sentences using the word
- Re-write the word five times
Yes, it does sound like a lot of work, but it works. The reason why I write down the word ten times is so that I become used to writing the word. I write down the definition in my own words so that I know I understand what it means. And I write a minimum of five good sentences so that I know how to use the word correctly.
What exactly are “good” sentences? A good sentence, to me anyways, is one that reflects thought and accurate use of the word. This may mean that I end up writing five paragraphs using that word only once in each paragraph. The point I make is to ensure that I know when and where to use a particular word correctly. Learning words is a long process, but it will ensure that you will never forget how to use a word.
The Bonus Step
The next step after all of that is really just consciouslly knowing to use the word in everyday lingo. Next time you’re conversing with some friends, go ahead and use the new word you learned. It will help you understand how to use the word correctly and it will become natural for you to use it. Try these steps out and share your experiences.
