Welcome to 'Step 5 Online', which supports the exercises in your 'Roadmap to IELTS Speaking Success' ebook. Today we're looking at how you can organise your vocabulary learning.
Which areas of vocabulary should you learn?
Having
a wide range of vocabulary at your disposal is essential when aiming for an advanced
grade. Today we'll look at 6 of the key areas of vocabulary you should focus on
when trying to grow your use of English words and expressions.
Task 1: Identify key vocabulary
How many of the following terms do you know the meaning of?
- Topic vocabulary
- Antonym
- Idiomatic expression
- Collocation
- Word form
- Synonym
Now match each one to the examples below (1-6)
- I've been feeling really
tired recently.
Yes, you have been looking a little worn out. - At
a rough calculation the cost will be £800.
To be precise, it will be £810. - Do you think he's suited to this kind of
work?
Yes, I think he's absolutely suitable. - Do you like your coffee strong or weak?
- I really enjoy reading science-fiction stories.
- Yesterday was a red-letter day - I got a new job!
(Answers below)
Task 2: Take control of your vocabulary learning
There's nothing wrong with taking a 'passive' approach to vocabulary learning: simply read as widely as possible and wait for the new words and expressions you come across to become part of your use of English. However, you can speed things up a little by taking control of the learning process. Try keeping a vocabulary notebook. Organise the book so you have the option of recording the various forms of words, make a note of antonyms and synonyms and have pages to organise new vocabulary around topic areas.
Answers
1) Synonym
2)
Antonym
3) Word form
4) Collocation
5) Topic vocabulary
6) Idiomatic
expression
Look out for the Step 6 email
In 4 days time we'll send you the sixth of our emails - the most common mistakes made at advanced level.