How to Effectively Remember 10,000 English Vocabulary in Less Than 120 Days

Well, this method takes a little practice at first, but it is always the best way for your eyes to move quickly through the text without getting stuck and wasting time to read unnecessary information. You are more likely to search for new words within the text. Many studies have shown that how fast people can read by guiding their eyes across the text. You might be surprising to discover how fast you could pick up many words within a short period of time.

Be Aggressive: Attack!

Faster reading does not mean poorer comprehension. In most cases, moderate speed in reading is usually resulted in the improvement in vocabulary. Why I say so?

Our eyes cannot actually read. We read with our minds. Thus, getting information from the printed material ultimately comes down to concentration. The faster you read the more effort you get your eyes concentrated. It is like driving a car at 90 miles per hour (mph) as opposed to 40 mph. To drive at 90mph, it requires your total concentration to keep your car on the road. Therefore, faster reading is a great advantage to help your eyes grabbing more words. As much as possible, try to see what you are reading as what you are watching at the cinema as it will greatly improve your vocabulary.

In the list below, the key word is in column at the left. It is then repeated in the group of words to the right. As rapidly as possible, try locate the identical word, check it, and then move to the next line. Try to do most of this visually test rather than saying each word loudly.

Lip lid long left lip lap

Stand start stand strong stop torn

Wander willow window wanton wander worry

Vain vale vague vain value

Mostmight host most mass mort

Divide devoted have doing divine divide

Someone somewhere sooner somehow somebody someone

Week weak week meek leak seek

Hazy hazard hamper lazy dizzy hazy

Aide aid add aide also hide

Reform remake reclaim malformed reform form

Bubble raffle rubber blubber bubble

Fabulous famous fabulous fashion false fasten

Tranquilizer transfer relaxation tranquilizer transcribe transit

Expanding the Fixations

Your eyes must stop for you to read. The stop may last for a fraction of a second which is called a fixation. If you are reading a sentence that has 20 words and you need to stop at each word, you have actually made 20 fixations with each of the word takes you a fraction of a second. If, however, you can read 4 words with each fixation, you will have to make quarter of the stops that will definitely help you catching more words at an average speed.

You might ask me, “Chan, how do I do this?” The answer has to do with peripheral vision. To illustrate, hold your finger and try to look only at that finger. As you can see, such limited vision is impossible. Because of peripheral vision, you can see many things in the room besides your finger. Research has shown that the average reader can see approximately 2.5 words per fixation.

Now, we do an experiment by looking at the following phrase:

In the Bathroom

Did you make three fixations, once on each word, or did you fixate once on the three words? The key to expanding your fixations is to read words according to its main ideas. Your fixation point, as shown in the following example, will be under and between the words forming the thought unit, so that your peripheral vision can pick up what is on either side of the point. Now, read the following paragraph by fixating at each indicated. Notice how fast you could absorb the words like a sponge.

To accumulate# delicate respiratory tract# of intruders# or incompatible substances# and apprehension# began designing devices# mild heat treatment# including nearly all

Final Remark

You will benefit immensely by following the guidelines given in this article. It is hoped that this article will help pupils to remember words in a more interesting and creative way in order to score in their examinations, but most importantly to help them to pass through the dreaded English exams of IELTS, ESL, TOEFL, TSE, EFL, ESP and any other English related exams. In conclusion, whether your interest lies in the spoken word or in written English, this guide is here to help you to improve your vocabulary with greater ease and confidence.