<p>I want to improve my vocabulary over the summer and I wanted some feedback on the strategy I have planned out. I know that everyone has a unique strategy that suits them, but I want to know if others used similar techniques and whether they were successful or not.</p>
<p>First of all, I’ll be memorizing 10 words per day (no more than that because I feel that I’ll be forgetting a lot of them, and it’ll get a little disorganized). Each day of the week, I will review the words I have already learned that week as to keep reminding myself.</p>
<p>I will also be reading magazines that interest me - perhaps 1-2 articles per day. These magazines include the New Scientist and Economist magazine. I’ll be noting down any words I don’t know and WRITING DOWN their meaning, and trying to incorporate them into other sentences.</p>
<p>Finally, I will try to use the words I’ve learned as frequently in conversation, reminding myself of them in my head constantly and trying to pick up the words I’ve learned in conversation when others use them… If I’ve forgotten what it means, then it’s back to the dictionary + notebook.</p>
<p>Using this method, I’m hoping, not only how to use new terms in sentences, but hopefully it will also help me with the passages, as I will be reading articles etc.</p>
<p>I have one question, however. In what order should I memorize words. Should it be from A-Z? From the start to end of the list? Or just any words at random from the list (which I’ll obviously note down so that I don’t forget what I’ve already done)?</p>
<p>Any constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated :)</p>
<p>Well, reviewing takes great discipline. I told myself that I was goign to review “old tests, etc, whatever” didn’t happen. Its tough, but we can do anything we set our minds to. Your strat sounds pretty good. I don’t think it matters if u memorize A-Z, maybe thats too meticulous. <– good word. If you could find it, learn words in groups that have similar meanings. And if u can find that, lemme know as well.</p>
<p>I think more sucessful approch would be probably memorize about 3-5 words a day but when studying write down a synonym, antonym, and a sentence that uses the word well. Doing this will help you really get the words down and you are less likely to forget words than if you were to study 10 words a day and by the end of the week you would have to remember 70 words.</p>
<p>Thanks for the comments. If it helps, I’m currently a high school sophomore. I’ll be taking the PSAT after the summer, and the SAT a little later into my junior year.</p>
<p>I would also like to know how important the PSAT is in Junior year. I’m taking it literally as a practice test to see how effective my studying has been, and what areas I need to improve in. Do colleges see my PSAT scores, and how important are they to them?</p>
<p>Colleges look at SATs. But PSATs are where you can rake in scholarships (National Merit Scholars, etc), so in my opinion they’re even more useful if you do decently. </p>
<p>In terms of memorizing words - I actually wrote a novelette containing every word on the SAT’s list of 500 most commonly used words. I’m currently using the story to tutor students. Not sure whether this method appeals to you, but I did pull 800 on both reading and writing.</p>
<p>…wow. I wasn’t expecting such a strong response. You guys are awesome. </p>
<p>I don’t have an electronic copy - that died when my Dell laptop decided life was no longer worth living (which is why I’ve got a Toshiba now). I do have a printed version, and for the kids I’m tutoring I’m planning on retyping a few pages every week or so. Just started, but the first installment’s been posted here: [A</a> Story of Sarcasm, Sniping, and SAT Vocabulary](<a href=“http://javademon.blogspot.com%5DA”>http://javademon.blogspot.com). </p>
<p>It’s free, of course. (Though you’re more than welcome to decrease my impending student loans by donating. :)) </p>
<p>The thing is, though - I got the 800s by writing this. Personally, I find that using the words in an original composition is far more helpful than just reading them in a story. So if you’re aiming for perfect scores, I’d advise you to actually write something. </p>
<p>(And remember that this story was written junior year, so no mocking, please. T_T)</p>
<p>^ Thanks for the advice, and thanks for the link! Come to think of it, that’s actually a really good idea! Write a little text and fill it up with SAT words. Even if the story is useless, it helps with the vocab and writing!!</p>
<p>Haha, I don’t know if it really helps with writing. My story ended up being in an entirely different style from my normal writing due to the need to cram in all sorts of random polysyllabic adjectives. I’m not really fond of it. </p>
<p>But it should help with the vocab, at least. One thing I do suggest is finding a beta reader who can tell you if you’re using any of the words incorrectly. Otherwise, you could be making errors without realizing it, in which case the process would be more detrimental than anything else.</p>
<p>^ Out of curiosity, when you were writing this text, did you have all the words you used memorized in your head? Or did you go through a list of words and cross them out as you used them?</p>
<p>The best idea is one you’ve mentioned: read challenging material, write down words you don’t know, look up the definitions, then use each new word in a new sentence. This is a long-term approach. You should do this for the rest of your life.</p>
<p>For the SAT, word lists and flash cards are also helpful. This is a short-term approach, and you may lose much of your new vocabulary after the test.</p>
<p>The idea of writing your own story with SAT words sounds fun.</p>
<p>However, I would avoid using too many big words in conversation with others, as many people find this arrogant or intimidating. If they know you’re trying out vocabulary for the SAT, that’s fine.</p>