Start the Series of Tips for Effective IELTS Reading: Strategy 1

Reasons Why Learning Vocabulary in Context Is Important

Many students often wonder how to remember all new vocabulary when studying for IELTS. The answer lies in learning new words in context. Context is not just the situation in which the word appears but also includes elements such as who, when, why and where. These elements create a concrete context that helps you better understand the vocabulary and how to use it in practice.

Learning vocabulary in context brings many significant benefits. Firstly, it helps you remember vocabulary longer. When you learn new words in a specific story or situation, you will easily visualize the context and that word will be associated with the image or emotion that that context brings. This helps vocabulary stay in your long-term memory.

Second, context helps you better understand how vocabulary is used in sentences. Vocabulary is not simply single words but they also need to be used grammatically and in accordance with the context. When you study vocabulary in sentences or paragraphs, you will grasp how sentences are structured and how vocabulary interacts with other elements in the sentence. This helps you not only remember words but also know how to use them correctly.

Finally, learning vocabulary in context also helps you develop reading comprehension. When you encounter new vocabulary in real-life texts, you will learn how to decode the meaning of the word based on the surrounding context. This not only helps you expand your vocabulary but also improves your reading comprehension, an important skill in the IELTS test.

Distinguishing Between 'IELTS Vocabulary' and 'English Vocabulary'

Many English learners often have the misconception that there is a special type of vocabulary specifically for the IELTS exam, but in reality this is not the case. 'IELTS Vocabulary' is simply a part of 'English Vocabulary' – vocabulary that you are likely to encounter in any English text, from newspaper articles to specialized magazines. This means that, instead of focusing on books that only provide IELTS vocabulary, you should expand your vocabulary learning to cover the entire context of English use.

The IELTS exam not only tests your vocabulary knowledge independently, but also assesses your ability to understand and use that vocabulary in a specific context. This requires you to be able to recognize and understand how vocabulary is used in different types of text. Therefore, learning vocabulary in context is an indispensable part of improving your reading comprehension skills in this exam.

Instead of focusing on mechanically memorizing vocabulary lists, you should invest time in reading a variety of English texts. This not only helps you expand your vocabulary but also helps you grasp how words are used in different situations. Newspapers, magazines, and specialized books are great sources that expose you to a wide variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.

Also, when you encounter a new word, try to understand its meaning through context and how it is used in a sentence. This will help you remember vocabulary longer and know how to apply them more flexibly during the IELTS test. Understanding that 'IELTS Vocabulary' is actually just 'English Vocabulary' will help you have a more effective and comprehensive approach to learning vocabulary.

How to Learn IELTS Vocabulary Effectively by Reading Newspapers and Magazines

One of the most effective methods to learn IELTS vocabulary is through reading English newspapers and magazines. These materials provide a rich and diverse vocabulary, helping you access many different contexts. To start, choose articles or articles that are appropriate for your English level. You can find sources like The New York Times, BBC, or specialized magazines like National Geographic.

When reading, always have a dictionary next to you to look up new words. Using a dictionary not only helps you understand the meaning of words but also provides information about pronunciation, word form and how to use words in sentences. This is important because learning vocabulary in context will help you remember words longer and use them correctly. For example, if you encounter the word “sustainable” in an article about the environment, you will better understand how to use this word in situations related to environmental protection.

To optimize your vocabulary learning, write down new words and create your own example sentences. You can use a vocabulary notebook or note-taking apps on your phone. This helps consolidate knowledge and creates a useful reference for future review. Also, try using new words in your daily communication or in your writing for extra practice.

Finally, reading newspapers and magazines not only helps you improve your vocabulary but also provides you with a lot of useful and updated information on various topics. This will help you develop your reading comprehension skills and prepare better for the IELTS Reading test. Make reading newspapers and magazines a daily habit to achieve the best results in the IELTS exam.

Benefits of Learning Vocabulary in Context

Learning vocabulary in context is not simply about memorizing individual words but also about understanding how to use them in specific situations. This not only helps you remember vocabulary better, but also significantly improves your ability to read and understand text. When you encounter vocabulary in context, you can easily see how it functions in a sentence, which helps you build a strong connection between the word and its meaning.

Learning vocabulary in context also helps you better understand the nuances and usage of words in different situations. For example, the word "run" can have many different meanings depending on the context such as "to run a business" or "to run fast". This is especially important in the IELTS Reading test, where you need to understand the context to answer questions correctly.

In addition, learning vocabulary in context also helps you develop your overall English skills. When you read passages of text and encounter new words, you not only learn the word, but also learn sentence structure, expression, and how to connect ideas. This will help you develop your ability to write and speak more naturally, thereby increasing your confidence when using English in real communication situations.

Finally, learning vocabulary in context helps you minimize forgetting words after a short time. When you see vocabulary used many times in different contexts, it will be easier for you to remember and reuse them when needed. This is not only useful in preparing for the IELTS Reading test but also in everyday English use.