{"id":413,"date":"2017-07-06T21:51:32","date_gmt":"2017-07-06T21:51:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=413"},"modified":"2025-06-09T23:06:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T23:06:42","slug":"read-strategically-diversify-your-vocabulary","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/chapter\/read-strategically-diversify-your-vocabulary\/","title":{"raw":"Read Strategically: Diversify Your Vocabulary","rendered":"Read Strategically: Diversify Your Vocabulary"},"content":{"raw":"<h2>Vary Your Interests<\/h2>\r\nDo something different from your daily routine: hunting, fishing, or blogging\u2013any activity that isn't part of your normal life\u2014can become a great way to learn new words, as every niche has its own jargon and unique ways of communicating. Read books and magazines that are different from the ones you\u2019re used to. Watch foreign-language movies. Take up new hobbies; hang out with different people.\r\n<h2>Learn Common Roots and Word Etymology<\/h2>\r\nModern English represents a cornucopia of different languages. In fact, if you limited yourself to words with only specifically \u201cEnglish\u201d origin, you would have a pretty small vocabulary.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1766\" src=\"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new.jpg\" alt=\"A timeline of Historical Influences on the English Language. Celtic and Latin influenced West Germanic Languages, which transitioned into Old English between 450 CE and 550 CE. Anglo-Saxon began its influence with the arrival of Germanic Settlements in the late 400s. Norse began its influence on the language in 787 when the Viking Invasions began. Anglo-Norman and Old French began their influence in the 1000s when the Norman Invasions began. French, Latin, Greek, and Italian began their influence in the 1400s to the 1600s due to Renaissance Mixing. From the 1700s to the present, English has been influenced by Empire Import languages, including Hindi, Persian, Arabic, Turkish, Malay, and American English.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"448\" \/>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>learn by doing: explore latin roots<\/h3>\r\n<iframe title=\"Read Strategically Diversify Vocabulary\" src=\"https:\/\/h5p.org\/h5p\/embed\/133483\" width=\"889\" height=\"333\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/h5p.org\/sites\/all\/modules\/h5p\/library\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nYou can also learn more about <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Etymology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">etymology<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prefix\">prefixes<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Suffix\">suffixes<\/a>.\r\n\r\nJust to pick an example, when you understand that the prefix \u201cortho\u201d means straight or right, you start to find connections between seemingly unrelated words, such as orthodontist (a specialist who straightens teeth) and orthography (the correct, or straight, way of writing).\r\n\r\nUnderstanding the logic behind words always pays off in terms of learning and recalling. Consider these examples: \u201cbreakfast\u201d means \u201cinterrupt the night\u2019s fast,\u201d and \u201crainbow\u201d means \u201cbow or arc caused by rain.\u201d While these meanings may be trivial to native English speakers, having such insights about words, foreign or otherwise, never fails to deepen your connection to them.\r\n<h2>Maintain a Personal Lexicon<\/h2>\r\nBy keeping a personalized list of learned words, you\u2019ll have a handy reference you can use to review these words later. It\u2019s very likely you\u2019ll want to go back and refresh your memory on recent words, so keeping them in your own list is much more efficient than going back to the dictionary every time.\r\n\r\nEven if you never refer back to your lexicon again, writing words down at least once will greatly enhance your ability to commit them to your permanent memory. Another excellent learning aid is to write an original sentence containing the word \u2014 and using your lexicon to do that is a great way of enforcing this habit. You can also add many other details as you see fit, such as the date you first came across the word or maybe a sequential number to help you reach some word quota you define.\r\n\r\nThere are many ways you can keep your personal word list; each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to pick the format that works best for you. You may prefer to keep it as a simple text file in the computer, or in a regular paper notebook, or maybe as flash cards in a shoe box.\r\n\r\nOne option is a computer spreadsheet for its handy features such as searching, sorting, and filtering.\r\n<h2>Follow a Process<\/h2>\r\nTo make vocabulary improvement a permanent habit in your everyday life, you should make it as habitual, automatic, and tightly integrated into your daily workflow as possible\u2013otherwise you won\u2019t do it when your days get too busy.\r\n\r\nIn that regard, one particularly useful concept is the one of maintaining a \u201cWord Inbox.\u201d By having a predefined place you use to capture the words you come across, you can process them much more efficiently.\r\n\r\nYour process can be as simple as you wish\u2014the key is to specify it beforehand and then follow it. By knowing exactly how and how often to process your inbox, you stay on top of your vocabulary improvement process, even when there are other pressing matters crying out for your attention.\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>practice<\/h3>\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/69d9d39d-d124-446f-ad93-d8bff9606b42\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<h2>Vary Your Interests<\/h2>\n<p>Do something different from your daily routine: hunting, fishing, or blogging\u2013any activity that isn&#8217;t part of your normal life\u2014can become a great way to learn new words, as every niche has its own jargon and unique ways of communicating. Read books and magazines that are different from the ones you\u2019re used to. Watch foreign-language movies. Take up new hobbies; hang out with different people.<\/p>\n<h2>Learn Common Roots and Word Etymology<\/h2>\n<p>Modern English represents a cornucopia of different languages. In fact, if you limited yourself to words with only specifically \u201cEnglish\u201d origin, you would have a pretty small vocabulary.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1766\" src=\"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new.jpg\" alt=\"A timeline of Historical Influences on the English Language. Celtic and Latin influenced West Germanic Languages, which transitioned into Old English between 450 CE and 550 CE. Anglo-Saxon began its influence with the arrival of Germanic Settlements in the late 400s. Norse began its influence on the language in 787 when the Viking Invasions began. Anglo-Norman and Old French began their influence in the 1000s when the Norman Invasions began. French, Latin, Greek, and Italian began their influence in the 1400s to the 1600s due to Renaissance Mixing. From the 1700s to the present, English has been influenced by Empire Import languages, including Hindi, Persian, Arabic, Turkish, Malay, and American English.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new-300x134.jpg 300w, https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new-768x344.jpg 768w, https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new-65x29.jpg 65w, https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new-225x101.jpg 225w, https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2097\/2017\/07\/EnglishInfluences_new-350x157.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>learn by doing: explore latin roots<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Read Strategically Diversify Vocabulary\" src=\"https:\/\/h5p.org\/h5p\/embed\/133483\" width=\"889\" height=\"333\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><script src=\"https:\/\/h5p.org\/sites\/all\/modules\/h5p\/library\/js\/h5p-resizer.js\" charset=\"UTF-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>You can also learn more about <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Etymology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">etymology<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prefix\">prefixes<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Suffix\">suffixes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Just to pick an example, when you understand that the prefix \u201cortho\u201d means straight or right, you start to find connections between seemingly unrelated words, such as orthodontist (a specialist who straightens teeth) and orthography (the correct, or straight, way of writing).<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the logic behind words always pays off in terms of learning and recalling. Consider these examples: \u201cbreakfast\u201d means \u201cinterrupt the night\u2019s fast,\u201d and \u201crainbow\u201d means \u201cbow or arc caused by rain.\u201d While these meanings may be trivial to native English speakers, having such insights about words, foreign or otherwise, never fails to deepen your connection to them.<\/p>\n<h2>Maintain a Personal Lexicon<\/h2>\n<p>By keeping a personalized list of learned words, you\u2019ll have a handy reference you can use to review these words later. It\u2019s very likely you\u2019ll want to go back and refresh your memory on recent words, so keeping them in your own list is much more efficient than going back to the dictionary every time.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you never refer back to your lexicon again, writing words down at least once will greatly enhance your ability to commit them to your permanent memory. Another excellent learning aid is to write an original sentence containing the word \u2014 and using your lexicon to do that is a great way of enforcing this habit. You can also add many other details as you see fit, such as the date you first came across the word or maybe a sequential number to help you reach some word quota you define.<\/p>\n<p>There are many ways you can keep your personal word list; each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to pick the format that works best for you. You may prefer to keep it as a simple text file in the computer, or in a regular paper notebook, or maybe as flash cards in a shoe box.<\/p>\n<p>One option is a computer spreadsheet for its handy features such as searching, sorting, and filtering.<\/p>\n<h2>Follow a Process<\/h2>\n<p>To make vocabulary improvement a permanent habit in your everyday life, you should make it as habitual, automatic, and tightly integrated into your daily workflow as possible\u2013otherwise you won\u2019t do it when your days get too busy.<\/p>\n<p>In that regard, one particularly useful concept is the one of maintaining a \u201cWord Inbox.\u201d By having a predefined place you use to capture the words you come across, you can process them much more efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>Your process can be as simple as you wish\u2014the key is to specify it beforehand and then follow it. By knowing exactly how and how often to process your inbox, you stay on top of your vocabulary improvement process, even when there are other pressing matters crying out for your attention.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>practice<\/h3>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_69d9d39d-d124-446f-ad93-d8bff9606b42\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/69d9d39d-d124-446f-ad93-d8bff9606b42?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_69d9d39d-d124-446f-ad93-d8bff9606b42\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-413\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Revision and Adaptation. . <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>10 Sure-Fire Strategies to Improve Your Vocabulary. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Luciano Passuello. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Litemind. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/litemind.com\/10-strategies-improve-vocabulary\/\">https:\/\/litemind.com\/10-strategies-improve-vocabulary\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":15005,"menu_order":12,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Revision and Adaptation. \",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"10 Sure-Fire Strategies to Improve Your Vocabulary\",\"author\":\"Luciano Passuello\",\"organization\":\"Litemind\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/litemind.com\/10-strategies-improve-vocabulary\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"2f3ed22a-786f-4f0e-82a0-9b61aac3ff44, 8e8ce225-64bc-40d3-b8ec-a94e2bfbf213","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-413","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":375,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15005"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1797,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413\/revisions\/1797"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/375"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/413\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=413"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=413"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/olemiss-writing100\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}