Do you think you have a terrible memory because you can’t easily remember words that are foreign to your language? Forget about that. Often, the difficulty isn’t in your head, but in the way you study them. So learn English in Houston with methods that really work.
To retain vocabulary, you need much more than just making lists and repeating them constantly. For example, incorporate it into practical and relevant situations in life. Want to learn strategies to remember it permanently? Here are eight.
1. Learn English in Houston by creating flashcards
A great method for memorizing new words is to create flashcards. It’s as simple as writing the term you want to learn on one side and, on the other, what it means, the translation, and an example. Adding an image will make it even easier to remember.
This allows you to review the terms more quickly and retain them better by associating what is written with the photo or drawing. You can also use flashcard apps to memorize them. They work just like classic flashcards, except you have them on your cell phone.
2. Associate words with images or real situations
Do you want the vocabulary to stick with you permanently? Relate each word you learn to images or experiences. Think, for example, of your cat or look at a photo of it to connect it with “cat.” That way, you’ll remember it thanks to your pet and what you’ve seen.
Another trick is to practice the new vocabulary in real contexts, such as at the supermarket. Or, if you visit a place, describe it in English. Do you think it’s fun? By associating the expressions you learn in this way, you reinforce your understanding and remember them while conversing.
3. Use new vocabulary in your own sentences
To retain the words you’ve just learned, you must use them daily. How about constructing your own sentences? By doing so, you will better understand their meaning and how to apply them in real life. Combine this practice with English classes and conversations.
In addition, by inventing sentences, you not only learn vocabulary, but also improve your creativity and fluency. Repeating them will allow you to use them spontaneously and remember them for a long time. Ultimately, your learning becomes more practical and useful.
4. Learn English in Houston by repeating aloud
A fourth strategy is to simply say the words aloud so you can hear yourself. This reinforces your auditory memory and pronunciation at the same time. Doing this is more effective than just reading or writing the English vocabulary you are interested in learning.
Apart from this, it builds greater confidence to apply them in real situations. For example, instead of keeping them on a list, use them when you go to English classes in Houston, to speak in a group, or with native speakers. This also gives you the opportunity to correct any mistakes.
5. Group words by category or topic
Instead of learning expressions at random, why not organize them into groups? If they are related to food, for example, put them all together. And if they are about work or emotions, do the same. This will make it easier for you to remember them and find them again.
This strategy of grouping them by specific topics or categories helps you link them in your mind. It also helps you learn in a more orderly way while expanding your vocabulary in the new language. By reviewing and using those words regularly, you won’t forget them as quickly.
6. Apply the spaced repetition technique
Do you want to remember vocabulary for a long time? Follow this key strategy: review terms progressively, at increasingly longer intervals. It greatly improves memory and helps you remember words even after months without using them.
This technique is perfect to combine with English classes in Houston or your daily practice. The reason? It makes it easier to identify the terms you most need to review. Use an app or planner to schedule your reviews, and you’ll see how it improves your retention.
7. Learn English in Houston by keeping a personal journal in English
Writing about what you do every day is an effective way to remember English words. Why? To recount your experiences, you have to use the vocabulary you’ve learned in a real context. This helps it stick in your mind naturally.
In addition, keeping a journal improves your writing skills and helps you organize your thoughts. When you reread it, you realize how much progress you’ve made and what you still need to improve. A few lines a day are enough to study and create a useful and lasting habit.
8. Watch TV series in English to learn words in context
Want one last strategy? Here it is: learn English in Houston by watching the TV series you like. It’s a fantastic way to acquire vocabulary in a real context, as you’ll be able to hear how words sound in real conversations.
The sounds, combined with the images, are ideal for remembering complete phrases more easily and understanding their context. TV shows also showcase accents and how words change depending on the situation. So watching them is quite useful for memorizing them.