A robust vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high band score in “Lexical Resource”  in the IELTS exam. While memorizing word lists might seem like a quick fix, contextual learning is a far more effective and engaging approach.

Here's why and how you should consider it:

Why Context Matters: Learning words in isolation often leads to forgetting them quickly. Understanding words within context, however, helps you remember them and use them accurately. When you see how a word functions within a sentence or paragraph, you gain insights into its full meaning and how it is used both appropriately and naturally.

Practical Tips for Contextual Vocabulary Learning:

1. Read Widely and Actively:

• Engage with diverse reading materials—news articles, novels, academic journals, and blogs. While reading, highlight or note down unfamiliar words and learn how they are used.

• Instead of just writing down new words, include the sentence in which you found the word. This helps reinforce its meaning and usage.

• Practice incorporating new vocabulary into your writing. Start with sentences, then move to paragraphs and essays. This reinforces your understanding and helps you recall words more easily.

• Discuss topics that interest you and try to use new vocabulary. Speaking about different subjects with peers or in a study group can help you remember words better.

• Watch movies, TV shows, or TED Talks in English. Pay attention to how words are used in different contexts and try to mimic the pronunciation and usage.

• Use flashcards that not only have the word but also a sentence using that word. This method helps you remember the word within its context.

Join the Vocabulary in Context Class to gain tips and master the vocabulary needed for IELTS. Through interactive lessons, real-world examples, and tailored practice sessions, you’ll gain the confidence to use new words accurately and effectively.

For more advanced students, consider a speaking class within context. Join A Topic-A Lesson to enhance your vocabulary as you speak around a topic.