3 Simple Steps to Improve Your Vocabulary for Better Essay Writing
When you’re writing your essays, have you found yourself struggling to think of the right word to convey an idea, concept or sentiment? All writers come to the point where we wish we had a better command of the English language, whether it’s for essay writing, writing a letter, or an email. The breadth and depth of your vocabulary play an important part of your ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Otherwise, you may include words or phrases in your writing that don’t quite have the same impact.
Here are three tips on how to improve your vocabulary as a means for improving your essay writing abilities.
1. Learn a new word each day.
There are various sources you can use to expand your vocabulary, from thesauruses, to online word-of-the-day services like Dictionary.com . Crossword puzzles, word games such as Scrabble and just simply reading more are other methods for coming into contact with new words. By keeping to one new word a day, you won’t become overwhelmed. You’ll be more likely to learn and remember a single word than a list.
When you’re learning a new word, make sure you learn the definition and the appropriate usage in the context of a sentence. Say it out loud and incorporate it in a conversation with someone. Keep a list of your new words so you can refer to them from time to time to brush up on your retention.
2. Find the right new word for you.
Be practical when you’re choosing your word of the day. Use words that are of use to you in your daily life and in the courses you are studying. Go beyond the daily jargon and clichés to find better and clearer ways to express the topics of your day or the subjects you’re studying. This will give you words that you can incorporate into your conversations and writing immediately. Make sure that when you use these words, you use them in the proper context so your communications flow.
3. Learn the word as soon as you see it.
Quite often the first thing we do when we see a new word is to skip over it and try to understand it just as a matter of context instead of learning the real meaning of the word. As soon as you come across a new word, whether you are reading or playing a game, write it down, look it up, and say the word and the definition out loud. Make a point to circle any new words you encounter within the text of another paper or book you may be reading.
An expanded vocabulary will help you adhere to the guidelines of your essay writing for aspects like word count and formatting style. Your professor will assign you a specific word count range as well as the MLA, APA or some other format. With a varied vocabulary, you can often find words that will help you hammer a point home without going through a lengthy, descriptive explanation of multiple words. This helps not only with your overall word count, but also with the truncated word count for things like a running head for your specific formatting style.
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David Plaut is the founder of Reference Point Software (RPS). RPS offers a complete suite of easy-to-use formatting template products featuring MLA and APA style templates, freeing up time to focus on substance while ensuring formatting accuracy. For more information, log onto http://www.referencepointsoftware.com/ or write to: info@referencepointsoftware.com
Reference Point Software is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA) or with the Modern Language Association (MLA).
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