Remembering Vocabulary

The aim of this leaflet

One of the biggest problems with vocabulary learning is that what's "learned" today is often forgotten tomorrow! What can be done about it? Here are some suggestions:

Learn words repeatedly, with increasing intervals between learning sessions.

The diagram below shows the rate at which words are forgotten.



This suggests that it is most useful to use or test yourself on vocabulary as soon as possible after you first meet it.

Try out different methods.You need to keep using it and testing yourself

1. An English-speaker, learning the French word "petit" ("small, little") might think of the English word pet, picture a small pet such as a very small dog, and then remember the meaning for "petit" - i.e. "small"
2. Write the words you are learning on pieces of paper or "stick-it" notes and then put them around your house or room
3. Record the words and phrases you are learning on a cassette, and then play them back whenever you have some spare time (e.g. when travelling) - in this way you will get used to the spoken form of the word as well as the written form
4. Use what you have learned. Using vocabulary in speech or writing helps it to stay fresh in your mind. As they say "Use it or lose it"
5. Recycle what you have learned. If you try to read, listen to or speak about the same topic (e.g. a particular news story) over a number of weeks, you will find that the same vocabulary keeps occurring. Meeting the words in context will help you remember them.
6. Test yourself frequently!

If you would like more advice, feel free to contact us or ask your English Language Service trainer after class. We are here to support your independent learning!

Language Learning

Organising Your Vocabulary Learning

Remembering Vocabulary