Topic outline
Main course page
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There are some great resources in the libraries at UNSW Institute of Languages to help you build your vocabulary. For Academic English, a great textbook is "Focus on Vocabulary". We have many copies of this book because it is so popular - please ask the library staff if you can't find it. There are many other great textbooks too, which the LSU staff can recommend.
Learning lists of words is NOT the best way to learn new words. You need to see (and hear) the words in context (particular situations or topics) so you can start to build meaning.
The following tutorial can help you develop your own method when you read ANY article. There is also a quiz to see if you have understood the steps in the "method". This can then help you wherever you are and with whatever you choose to read.
Below this, there is a link to a website that offers a post every week - this is for English Language Learners and uses articles from the New York Times newspaper. Each focuses on one topic and offers an interactive quiz and a writing prompt.
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NOTE: this video is a larger file so it may take a minute to download- A short tutorial (about 10 minutes) on HOW TO BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY QUICKLY
- An ENJOYABLE successful method!
- Take notes while you listen
- Develop your independent study skills
- Apply this method to all types of reading (fiction, newspaper articles, academic papers and textbooks, etc)
Take the quiz afterwards to see how much you understand!
QUIZ
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Receive a grade
PLEASE NOTE: To take this quiz, you must enrol yourself in this Vocabulary course section. See the link at the top of the Vocabulary page.
This quiz will help you focus on the main points of the method in the video you just watched. You can try the quiz as many times as you like.
If you have any further questions about this, please email Nikki Hayes (Independent & E-Learning Coordinator) - N.Hayes@unswglobal.unsw.edu.au
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The New York Times and Larry Ferlazzo offer a different article (and often videos) each week, with an interactive quiz and a writing prompt. Using new words in your writing helps you to remember them. You could use the writing in your class Discussion Board. Post the link for the article for other students, give your opinion about the article / topic and start a conversation!
The quiz helps you develop your skills in guessing the meaning of new words - this is an important skill to continue to develop throughout your English language studies.
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