How+to+Memorize+Vocab+Effectively

=Instructions= = Step 1 = __Get a GOOD vocabulary list for the test__ that you are preparing for. Online resources may be useful. The key for this method is repetition. First, __find out what you do not know__. Then, memorize them by repetition by tricking the brain to recognize the information as very important. The goal is to make the new vocabulry into long term memory using this method.

For the first time, __read (skimming speed) the entire list__ from the beginning to end. __Check the words that you do not know__. You are done for the day.
 * Step 2**

The next day, __start with any alphabet letter__ you want. I started with short ones, V, Z, Q... because it's done quicker and give you a sense of accomplishment. For the words you do not know, __take time to understand the word__ by reading the meaning and word usage in a sentence. No need to write the words more than a couple times.
 * Step 3**

The following day, __read the vocabulary list again__. Focus on the words you checked earlier. However, this time around __cover the meaning part to see if you remember them__. If you don't, put a check mark again on the side of the word. Read the meaning and sentences usage again. Do the prior step with a new set of alphabet.
 * Step 4**

Do this step __until you cover all the alphabets in the vocabulary list__ and there are at least __3 check marks for the words__ that you do not know. This should have taken 1 to 2 weeks working 2 hours a day, 3 to 4 days of the week.
 * Step 5**

Now the number of the words that you do not know would have reduced significantly. From now on, __highlight the words__ that you do not know as you go through the list again. __Spend one week__ (3 to 4 days). Next time around, __use different colors__. I went from light to dark (yellow to orange to green to blue). When I was done, I had spent 5 weeks (working about 3days a week 2 to 3 hours per day) and the words that I do not know was reviewed at least 7 times.
 * Step 6**

Now, __create a separate vocabulary list__ of the words that you have not yet memorized. In my case, the words were about 10 percent of the entire vocabulary list that I did not know the first time around reading them. Just by carefully reading the words and repeating them, I memorized 90 percent of the original list!
 * Step 7**

Remaining words are, for some reasons, especially difficult for you to master. For these words, use methods such as association and __giving special meaning to the words__. The more personal, the easier to remember. __Group the words into synonyms and antonyms__. Studying __prefix, suffix and roots__ of vocabulary is helpful, too.
 * Step 8**

For the last couple of weeks, just review the final list that you made. On the last week, take couple of sample tests. You should be pleasantly surprised to find your score improvement.
 * Step 9**

NOW, You are ready. Go get'em Tiger! :)
 * Step 10**

From http://www.ehow.com/how_4846395_prepare-gre-building-vocabulary-efficiently.html

There is some research to support the idea that **memorizing related words, especially opposites, at the same time**, is more effective than memorizing words randomly.

For example, learn big and small, open and closed, clean and dirty, same and different, before and after, freeze and thaw, work, play, and rest, buy, sell, and pay, read and write, full and empty, etc. at the same time. Learn spring, summer, fall, and winter at the same time. Learn see, hear, smell, taste, and feel at the same time.

There is also evidence that learning begins with a knowledge of "intermediate-level" concepts representing ordinary objects (//chair, table//) and proceeds up the hierarchy (to //furniture//) and down the hierarchy (to //legs of a chair,// or //arms of a chair//) later.

Learning **groups of words that are related through derivation** might also be useful, but for some students it is a source of confusion, so you need to be careful about that. (//institution, constitution, restitution//)

//Memorizing vocabulary is probably not a good idea, however, if by memorization you mean sitting down to a list of 100 words and deciding that at the end of the day you will be able to produce translations of each in your native language.// You have to use a word in a meaningful way in writing and/or spontaneous conversation about 400 times before its "yours"! So be patient!

CJ

From http://www.englishforums.com/English/HelpMemorizeVocabulary/cxxjd/post.htm, by CalifJim