The point of acquiring a vocabulary is not to pass a quiz. It’s to enrich your speaking, writing, and thinking.

In the future, do not cram for a test. Devote each day to learning a few words.

Write out the words and write out a sentence in which the words are used properly. With each additional sentence, try to include the previously learned words too.

Speak the words out loud.

Try to associate each word with some person or event. This will aid as a mnemonic device.

For instance, that Greg you know likes to hang around a lot of people–therefore he’s GREGARIOUS.

If the word is OLFACTORY, think of your nose in the shape of an old factory with oil dripping out of it.

In other word, think of really stupid imagery to link a word with its meaning–the more outrageous the better.

There is no magic solution really!! sorry. When I need to learn vocab (Russian for me), I find, and i know this sounds old fashioned, but writing them all out twice and then testing your self until you know them roughly should help. I would then recommend that you just keep reading them over as many times as possible, so they actually stick in your memory! Then, make sure that you read them over and test your self just before you go to sleep and when you get up. If you can, write them out again. I know this is time consuming but the more time and effort you put in, the more you will learn, also, it helps if you say the words to yourself while writing and testing yourself. And hey, just think, these few hours (3 would be good) before the exam might get you a grade or two higher – not bad really!! So basically, write them out, test yourself, say them out loud and read them before going to bed. Repeat the testing and reading as many times through the day as possible and I promise they will stick! Good Luck!! 🙂

Flash Cards!!!! You’ll pass every time