The GCSE English Language exams require you to write both fiction and non-fiction and it’s pretty important to have good vocabulary! Check out my guide to descriptive writing here!
One of the key skills you need to master is vocabulary! Having a great vocabulary will enable you to write effectively and impress the examiners – scoring more marks!
Check out my guide to persuasive writing here!
When it comes to the world of vocabulary, it can seem like a minefield…where do I begin? There are so many words, it can be different to get started!
Lucky for you, I’m here to give you 3 simple solutions.
1. Reading
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, reading is one of the MOST effective ways to improve your vocabulary! When you read, you engage in passive learning. You are unconsciously picking up on the meaning of words and learning new ones.
SO MANY TIMES I have used a word and I have had no idea where on earth it came from…but somehow I knew it! That’s because I’ll have read it several times in a book and unconsciously absorbed it into my vocabulary.
Just make sure that you are reading challenging material which is going to give you just enough challenge to pick up on some new words but not too much challenge you don’t have a clue what’s going on! Check out post about how reading can change your life here!
2. Use a Thesaurus
Why not use a thesaurus! This is a great option when you writing stories and descriptions. Check out this online thesaurus here!
If you’re sick of saying the house looks ‘old’, try searching for some alternatives! You’ll be surprised what you find! Many of the words, you probably know already but they’re just not in the forefront of your mind! The more you remind yourself of sophisticated words, the easier it is to recall them in an exam (and spell them).
A WORD OF CAUTION: If you do find new words and you want to use them, it’s often worth double checking how they should be used in a sentence to make sure you’re making sense!
3. Become Observant
Finally, become observant! Be curious and excited about learning!
When you see a new word, don’t panic and skim past it. Don’t stress out and think you don’t understand it. Take your time and see it as a learning opportunity to expand your vocabulary.
I guarantee you, you are probably seeing new words on a daily basis – signs, leaflets, TV, books. However, most of the time we are just ignoring them because our brains focus on what we know! Train your brain to look out for new words and opportunities and feel a sense of joy every time you add a new one to your bank!
And…there we have it! Developing your vocabulary is one of the most incredible investments you can make into yourself. If you can write and speak effectively with impressive vocabulary, it can really stand you good stead later on in your life! However, most importantly, it helps you when it comes to expressing yourself, your feelings and our thoughts. If you can’t say it, you can’t communicate it! Become excited about becoming a more effective articulator and make it a lifelong commitment! Don’t forget, language devices are also really important in your writing! Check out my free eBook on language devices here!