Study skills B1+ Units

Learning vocabulary
1 What do you do when you learn a new word in English? Tick (✔) the answers in the table that are true
for you.
Never Sometimes Usually Always STUDY TIP
1 I write it down.
It is important to record vocabulary
2 
I write down the so you can review it later. You can
definition in English. record vocabulary in different ways
3 I write down the depending on the word. If you put
translation. the word in an example sentence
4 I write the word in a that means something to you it will
sentence. be easier to remember. Translations
are fine, but be careful because a
5 I write down the part of
word in one language may have
speech (e.g. noun, verb,
more than one meaning in another
adjective) next to the
so make sure you get the correct
word.
meaning. After class, it is a good
6 I write down the idea to reorganise the vocabulary
pronunciation. you have written. You could divide
7 I write down synonyms in your notebook into sections either
English. by part of speech or by topic.
8 I draw an image next to
the word.
9 I write down other words
that collocate with it.

2 Look at the words a student has written in their notebook. Which of the methods (1–9) in 1 has the student
used for each word? More than one method is used for each word.

a avoid [v]: refrain, evade

b terrible [adj]: very bad, e.g. terrible food, a terrible film, terrible weather

c knock out [phrasal verb, n]:

d slogan [n]: ‘Just do it’ is Nike’s famous slogan.

e luxury [n]:/’luxury / Something which is
non-essential, expensive or rare. Going to the cinema is a luxury for me.

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Study skills B1+ Units

3 Complete the student’s notes with the words in the box.

afford  • ​cactus  • ​colonise  • ​currency  • ​custom

a [n]: tradition; the usual way to behave.

b  [v]: /kɒlənaz/ to send people to live in and
govern another country
c  [v]: to be able to spend time or money on
something without bad consequences. I got lots of money for my
birthday so I can to go to the cinema this month.
d [n]:
e  [n]:the money (notes and coins) of a country.
The of the United States is the dollar.

4 Record the words in the box in your notebook using one of the methods in 1.

bullying  •  lyrics  •  ​settle  •  terror  •  w

​ arm up

5 Read how five students try to remember vocabulary. Which method do you think is the most effective?

‘I write the word on a small card with the definition and ‘I try to use the words in class as soon as we
other notes on the other. I put five cards in my pocket learn them. If I can say them twice I remember
each day and test myself on the bus to school.’ John, 15 them.’ Colin, 16

‘I use an app on my mobile which gives me a word and ‘I like to read a lot. I look up new words in the
four definitions. The app saves the words I get wrong and dictionary. If the word keeps appearing I soon
I review them later. I’m learning a lot of new vocabulary!’ remember it.’ Ahmed, 15
Maria, 16

‘My best friend and I test each other on the words we have learned in class. It’s fun!’ François, 15

6 What can you do to record and remember vocabulary better? Write your ideas here. Use ideas in 1 and 5
to help you.

When recording vocabulary, I will …

To remember vocabulary, I will …

7 Go through your notebook and rewrite some of the pages using the methods you have learnt.

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