A superior vocabulary will help you succeed in your TOEIC test. A power vocabulary will give you the tools to understand others and to communicate your ideas successfully. You don’t have to go back to school. You can improve your English vocabulary on your own using methods for learning power words:
1. Listen to people who have superior oral expression. Notice how they use words accurately and precisely. Seek out good speakers on the radio, on news programs or in documentaries. Here you can start with TOEIC materials like CDs from core books or download audio from the Internet learning site. Go to lectures by renowned speakers, or listen to books on tape. You will acquire a more powerful vocabulary, hear words in correct context and learn correct pronunciation.
2. Set aside time every day for systematic vocabulary study. Study word roots, those Greek or Latin words underlying many English words. Also study word beginnings and endings, which are called prefixes and suffixes. Understanding word formation and relationships between words will build your vocabulary.
3. Read the Reading comprehension practice in any Reading preparation books or you can try reading challenging books in English. Find books that interest you, but make sure the vocabulary makes you stretch. When you find a word you don’t know, try to guess the meaning by the context. Also see if it reminds you of a similar word with the same root or base word. Use a dictionary only after you have tried to guess the meaning.
4. Practice new words on the go. Copy words you want to remember onto note cards. On the back, include the meaning and a complete sentence so that you learn the word in context. Carry a few cards with you and practice when you have the time. Then make a game of using your new words in conversation.
5. Study groups of words on similar topics at the same time. You will find it easier to learn words together that have related meanings. You can find many interesting books to increase your TOEIC vocabulary, such as 600 Essential words for the TOEIC.
