English (Biplab Ghosh Blogs)

How to Memorize Vocabulary

Tags:     English for UPSC     Noun     Write Correct English     Spoken English     Types of Sentences     Clause     Vocabulary     Spelling     Words Usage     Proverbs

Learning vocabulary, memorizing it, and keeping them in the long-term memory would incur a systematic approach. It takes time. In my long teaching experience, I have always advised the students to do the same thing that they used to do in their mother tongue. And, this is always not music to the ears of those who come to me in search of some magic technique to memorize vocabulary. I will give an example here. If my mother tongue is Hindi, I will confidently say that I have never employed any technique to learn the Hindi words. Still, I am confident in reading and understanding the language. Not only this, I can write long sentences in the language too.

The problem is that English is a dream in a country like India. “Businessmen” perceive this. Some of them have employed innovative marketing techniques to create a product called Vocabulary Memorizing Technique. This can come in different names such as Memory Technique Background Methodology, Flashcards, and a host of baloney like them. The problem is that each of these techniques can take care of a few words at a time but not a large number of words. Besides, it is just not possible for a student to put into practice any of these methods into memorizing 10000 words.

You must understand that in any language, there may be a word with a different meaning. Also, the usage of the word will vary from sentence to sentence and from situation to situation. I have taken the longer route but the safest and the best path to inscribe vocabulary in the long-term memory. I say, read and read a lot. For example, you can take an editorial from any newspaper every day. Then you consult the dictionary and write down the meanings of all the words that you do not understand. If possible, also do write a Hindi meaning of that word. Once you are done with this, read that editorial 25 times with the meanings of the words beside you.

Folks, do this for 50 days maintaining a file containing each of those editorials from Day 1. On the 51st day, Behold! You are a changed personality. Not only will you have enriched your vocabulary but your comprehensive ability will have improved multiple times. If you ask me, never pay a penny to these so-called educators selling packages to teach vocabulary. It is in your hand and destiny to make it work for you. Never run from the hard work and follow the process that I endeavor to explain to you in this blog. The world is waiting for you. So make those 50 days count for your future.