Be creative when recording vocabulary

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

CREATE VISUALS AND LEARN IN THE PROCESS.

There are multiple ways of recording vocabulary, but the tendency to create “English word + translation” lists prevails. Finding an alternative makes vocabulary recording more entertaining and helps you learn since you are more involved in the process.

Going back to the idea of “collecting words”, you are more likely to remember a new item for your collection when you have devoted some attention to it. Where does it belong? How should I record it? To what extent is this useful for me?

Let’s consider recording vocabulary as a two-way procedure.

What I mean is, you can first record your words in a list, while you are studying or in class, as a sort of draft. Secondly, you could rewrite those words into a more definite, elaborate system. It may take more time but it will eventually pay off. 

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Increase your output: oral production

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

If you don’t use it, you lose it.

But, how to speak English regularly if you don’t live in an English-speaking country?

Decidedly, that constitutes a major obstacle to overcome but not an impossible one. Although a long stay in an English-speaking country is the most effective way to become fluent in a language, there are strategies to adopt when that is not an option. 

I would make a distinction here between students who have already been fluent but whose English is getting rusty as time goes by (due to lack of use), and those who are still learning the ropes. For the latter, I would recommend attending a course to receive some guidance. You can also follow some of these tips to reinforce the learning process. For the former, I would say: take the reins! 

Let’s dive in and get more specific.  Continue reading “Increase your output: oral production” →

Increase your output: written production

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

I believe that most language students have, at some point, fallen into the trap of overdoing the input at the expense of the output. The input is what you can absorb about the language by studying, listening or reading. The output, on the other hand, is what you produce yourself in the written or oral form. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the input is simple but it certainly represents much less of a challenge than the output, which is an intellectually harder process. Have you realised the extent of the language that you can understand, recognise, and be familiar with but have never actually used? 
 

The moment a new word comes out of your mouth (or your fingertips if you’re typing) represents the moment you own it. It becomes part of your active vocabulary. A moment of bliss, similar to what a collector may feel when adding a new element to the existing collection.

Exposure is key! It gives you the space to expand your output.

Needless to say, living in a non-native English-speaking country limits your possibilities but let’s not use that as an excuse to neglect our productive skills. So, what to do?

First and foremost, take the reins and be proactive. Yes, but how?

Traditionally, the way to go is to sign up for lessons, which is a good move, but it doesn’t take you as far as you need to go, does it? What you add to that and how often you do it makes all the difference. Consider attending classes as a map and yourself as the pilot who may use the map but sometimes simply folds it and follows their instinct. Continue reading “Increase your output: written production” →

Create a time and a space for self-study

Posted on by Inglés Vitoria

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This is the first in a series of tips aimed at boosting language students’ self-study routines and self-motivation. It goes without saying that attending a course is a sure bet but usually not enough if you intend to make significant progress. You have to go the extra mile! and that is primarily in your hands. Teachers can provide you with ideas on how to go about it but it is within you to implement them and to be consistent at that.

Allocating regular time for English study will give confidence in yourself. If consistent, you will surely notice a solid steady improvement that will, in turn, strengthen your motivation to keep going.

Continue reading “Create a time and a space for self-study” →