Vocabulary Improvement Strategies

Introduction

• Common question: How to improve vocabulary?
  • Different motivations: test prep vs. conversational skills.
• Importance of using the right methods and words.

Learning Approach

• Focus on definitions in English to avoid translation confusion.
• Aim to think in English.
• Avoid translating dictionaries.
• Using the Academic Word List:
  • Essential for TOEFL and IELTS exams.
  • Helps enhance conversational vocabulary.
  • Excludes the 2000 most common words in English.

Five Key Words

1. Analysis

• Pronunciation: uh-NAL-uh-sis (4 syllables, second syllable stress)
• Definition: Study of something closely; understanding parts and their relationships.
• Usage:
  • Example sentences:
    • "I did an analysis of the article to study her writing style."
    • "The DNA analysis came back. You are not the father."
    • "They performed a cost-benefit analysis."
• Plural: Analyses (pronounced uh-NAL-uh-siz)
• Related term: Psychoanalysis

2. Approach

• Pronunciation: approach (2 syllables, second syllable stress)
• Definition: To move physically closer or a way of thinking about something.
• Usage:
  • Example sentences:
    • "The train is approaching the station."
    • "How do you approach stress?"
• Related forms: Approaches, approaching, approached
• Adjective form: Approachable

3. Area

• Pronunciation: area (3 syllables)
• Definition: Part of a larger space or field of study.
• Usage:
  • Example sentences:
    • "In this area, we’ll have the food buffet."
    • "He’s an expert in the area of mathematics."

4. Assessment

• Pronunciation: assessment (3 syllables, second syllable stress)
• Definition: The act of making a judgment about something.
• Usage:
  • Example sentences:
    • "The school assessment test will tell us how well the students understand concepts."
    • "In my assessment of it..."

5. Assume

• Pronunciation: assume (2 syllables, second syllable stress)
• Definition: To think something is true without knowing if it is.
• Usage:
  • Example sentences:
    • "I assume he would be honest, but he lied to me."
    • "Focus groups assume that people can tell you what’s wrong."

Recap of Key Definitions

• Analysis: In-depth study of something.
• Approach: Movement towards something or a way of thinking.
• Area: Part of a larger space.
• Assessment: Judgment of something.
• Assume: Thinking something is true without confirmation.

Conclusion

• Similarities between analysis and assessment.
• Importance of learning vocabulary in context.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more vocabulary tips and lessons.
• Reminder of the offer for a free lesson with Cambly using code: RACHEL-ENGLISH.