9 Tips for IELTS Reading: Tips No. 2 and 3 Use a Good Dictionary and Word Study Book

Strategy 2: Use a Good Dictionary

Owning and using a good dictionary is an important factor in learning to read effectively. A quality dictionary not only provides the meaning of the word but also provides information about sound, stress, word type and how to use the word in a specific context. This helps learners grasp vocabulary more deeply, thereby improving their ability to understand and use vocabulary effectively.

For many learners, especially those preparing for the IELTS exam, a professional dictionary is an optimal choice. An English-English dictionary will help you access the meaning of words accurately and completely, avoiding errors caused by using an English-Vietnamese dictionary. These dictionaries often come with specific example sentences, helping you better understand how words are used in real-life contexts. For example, dictionary Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary or Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary are two popular and reliable options.

Using a dictionary also requires strategy. When you encounter a new word, instead of simply looking up the meaning, pay attention to pronunciation, stress, and word type. This not only helps you remember words longer, but also helps you pronounce words correctly and use words grammatically. Furthermore, reading example sentences in the dictionary will help you better understand how to use words in specific contexts, thereby improving your reading and writing skills.

Finally, make it a habit to use a dictionary regularly. Don't be afraid to look up words when you have difficulty understanding a passage or reading. A good dictionary will be a reliable companion, helping you overcome difficulties and improve reading skills effectively.

Benefits of Using a Professional Academic Dictionary

Usage academic dictionary offers many specific benefits compared to electronic or online dictionaries. These dictionaries are specifically designed to be easy to understand, providing clear definitions and rich illustrative examples. This makes it easier for learners to look up and remember vocabulary.

One of the outstanding benefits of an academic dictionary is the intuitive and logical organization of information. When looking up a word, learners not only receive a definition but also specific illustrative examples of how to use that word in a sentence. This helps learners not only understand the meaning of words but also know how to apply them correctly in real-life contexts.

For example, when looking up words “ambitious” In a student dictionary, you will find clear definitions such as “Having a strong desire for success or achievement.” Along with that, the dictionary provides examples such as “She is very ambitious and hopes to become a successful lawyer.” These examples help learners grasp the semantics and usage of words effectively.

Besides, using a 'hardcopy' dictionary also helps practice vocabulary memorization skills. When turning each page of the book, learners have the opportunity to see and remember many different words during the search process. This not only helps expand vocabulary but also improves overall reading comprehension.

To choose a suitable student dictionary, learners should pay attention to factors such as thickness, level of detail of definitions, and richness of illustrative examples. A good dictionary not only provides accurate information but also must be easy to use and suitable for the user's learning level.

In summary, using an academic dictionary is a useful method to improve reading comprehension skills and expand vocabulary effectively.

Strategy 3: Use a Vocabulary Notebook

Vocabulary learning is an important part of learning to read effectively. To memorize vocabulary systematically and effectively, using a vocabulary notebook is very useful. Handwriting new words not only helps strengthen your memory but also creates conditions for you to review vocabulary regularly, thereby enhancing your ability to use words in real-life contexts.

To organize your vocabulary book effectively, you should divide it into clear and systematic sections. Each page or section may include the following sections:

Vocabulary: Take notes of new words you encounter while reading.

Sound: Note the pronunciation of the word, which can be accompanied by transcription or reading in Vietnamese to make it easier to remember.

Word type: Identify the type of word (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) to help you understand how to use the word in a sentence.

Meaning: Note the meaning of the word in Vietnamese or English, depending on your level of understanding.

Example sentence: Write one or more example sentences using the new word to illustrate how it is used in a real-life context.

To ensure effective vocabulary memorization, you need to regularly review your vocabulary book. Some possible methods include:

Periodic review: Set a weekly or monthly review schedule to review recorded vocabulary.

Flashcards: Use flashcards or a phone app to create flashcards from words in your vocabulary book. This helps you review vocabulary quickly and conveniently.

Use in practical context: Try to use newly learned words in writing, speaking or daily communication. This will help you strengthen your ability to use vocabulary naturally and flexibly.

With persistence and effort, using a vocabulary notebook will become a powerful tool to help you improve your reading skills and expand your vocabulary effectively.

How to Organize and Use a Vocabulary Book Effectively

One of the important methods to optimize the vocabulary learning process and improve reading skills is to organize and use vocabulary books effectively. To achieve this, classifying vocabulary by topic is a first step that cannot be overlooked. When vocabulary is arranged according to specific topics such as work, travel, education, or family, it will be easier for learners to associate and remember new words.

Using colors and symbols is also a useful technique for highlighting important words. For example, you can use a blue pen to note down work-related vocabulary, green for nature-related words, and red for complex or difficult-to-remember words. This not only helps increase the aesthetics of the vocabulary book but also supports memory by stimulating the brain through colors.

To prevent vocabulary from being forgotten, regular review is essential. An effective method is to use the Spaced Repetition technique. Accordingly, you will review vocabulary after certain periods of time such as 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month. This helps strengthen long-term memories and ensures that vocabulary is remembered consistently.

For example, when recording vocabulary, you might write new words on the front of a card, and the meaning and example sentences on the back. Every day, spend at least 15 minutes reading and reviewing these cards. For memorized words, you can move them to another box to review more periodically, spending more time on words that are difficult to remember.

Organizing and using vocabulary books systematically and effectively not only helps learners increase their vocabulary but also significantly improve their reading skills. This method, when applied properly, becomes a powerful tool in your language learning journey.