Expressways--a writing textbook--suggests you use mindmaping to learn new words. You can use online tools to make mind maps. Here is a link to two of my favorite online mind mapping tools:
* Bubbl.us
* MindMeister
If you don't know what a mindmap is, here's a link to explain:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map
Here is Expressways' advice on how to use a mind map to learn a new word:
Using Word Mapping
Word mapping is a visual method of expanding your vocabulary. It involves examining a word in detail by considering its meanings, synonyms (words similar in meaning), antonyms (words opposite in meaning), part(s) of speech, word parts, and usages. A word map is a form of word study. By the time you have completed the map, you will find that you have learned the word and are ready to use it in your speech and writing.
Set up a mind map with the word you want to learn at the center.
Your mindmap will contain the following nodes:
Use the following steps in completing a word map:
- Primary Meaning--include the part of speech in this node along with the meaning.
- Secondary Meaning--if the word has more than one meaning, include it here.
- Synonyms--use a thesaurus to find these.
- Sentences--write two sentences using the word.
- Word Parts--break the word down into its root and any prefixes and suffixes.
- Other--this is good place to find and put antonyms
1. Write a sentence in which the word appeared at the top of the map. Figure out which meaning fits the context and write it in the box labeled “Meaning (as used in reading).” Fill in the word’s part of speech as used in this context.
2. Study the dictionary entry to discover other meanings of the word. Fill those in on the map in the box labeled “Other Meanings.”
3. Find or think of two synonyms (words similar in meaning). You might need to use a thesaurus for this.
4. Write two sentences using the word.
5. Analyze the word’s parts. Identify any prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
Write the word part and its meaning in the box labeled “Word Parts.”
6. In the box labeled “Other,” include any other interesting information about the word. You might include antonyms, restrictive meanings, or the word’s history or derivation).
As you create a word map, here are some resources you might find helpful:
Links to online dictionaries taken from this useful post from studenthacks,
"101+ Web Resources for Students":
Dictionaries
- Acronym Finder
- American Heritage Dictionary
- British National Corpus
- Encarta World English Dictionary
- Idiom Connection
- Lexicool
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Roget’s Thesaurus
- Rhyming Dictionary
- Synonym Dictionary
If you want some terms on which to practice, here's a list of the most used words in Academic Writing. At least one study has shown around a 10% improvement in student comprehension of academic texts just by learning these sixty words.
The most used words in Academic Writing
analyze
approach
area
assess
assume
authority
available
benefit
concept
consist
constitute
context
contract
create
data
define
derive
distribute
economy
environment
establish
estimate
evident
export
factor
finance
formula
function
identify
income
indicate
individual
interpret
involve
issue
labor
legal
legislate
major
method
occur
percent
period
policy
principle
proceed
process
require
research
respond
role
section
sector
significant
similar
source
specific
structure
theory
vary
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