We all know how difficult it is to remember new words when studying English. Long lists of words and heavy vocabulary books make it seem impossible. That's why we often get inquiries about how to memorize new words. Here are some practical tips on vocabulary memorization. But do remember, learning new words can be a boring and tortuous process, one that requires a lot of discipline. It is effort that counts most. Whatever tips or suggestions you get can only facilitate(使容易) your effort. They can not replace the effort.

　　No 1

　　When studying new words, try to identify(识别) prefixes or suffixes. In English, these are often used to change or add to the root word's meaning, creating a word. Take, for example, the word "move". We can add the suffix "able" to make the adjective "movable" and then the prefix "im" to give it the opposite sense. There are many books available that teach students how to use prefixes and suffixes to help memorize new words. Some have lists of prefixes and suffixes. But, the best advice is: Don't overuse this method and rely too much on prefixes and suffixes. Since they appear frequently, you can learn them without memorizing them intentionally(有意地). Meanwhile, you can use a dictionary to help you recognize prefixes and suffixes. They are often separated, in the dictionary, from the stem(词干) by a hyphen(连字符).

　　No 2

　　Practice, practice, practice. Studying a word won't help very much if you quickly forget it. The saying "practice makes perfect" is certainly true in vocabulary learning. Research shows that it takes from 10 to 20 repetitions of a word to really make it a part of your vocabulary. It helps to write down the word-both the definition and a sentence using it-perhaps on an index card, where it can be easily reviewed. Review your index cards regularly to see if you have forgotten any new words.

　　No 3

　　Make up as many associations(联想) and connections as possible when learning words. Try to relate the word to words you already know, either as a synonym(同义词), antonym(反义词), or in some other ways. This relating of the old with the new will help you memorize it. for example, the word "gargantuan" (very large) is similar in meaning to words gigantic, huge, and large. You could make a sequence(一连串): small, medium, large, very large, and gargantuan. List as many things as you can that can be considered gargantuan. Create a mental image of the word that involves strong emotions. Think, "the gargantuan whale was going to swallow(吞) me whole!"

　　No 4

　　Pronounce the word at the same time you are memorizing it. We are likely to separate the process of new word memorization from pronunciation. In fact, these two can be combined and one will enhance the other. Pronouncing the word to yourself helps activate(触发) aural(hearing) memory, which helps memorizing. The sound of a word not only helps you recall the spelling, it makes you more familiar with the word. And, the more familiar you are with the word, the greater the chance that you will keep it for the rest of your life.

　　No 5

　　Get in the habit of looking up words you don't know. Many people will allot(分配) period of time each day to memorize new words. This type of concentrated learning is useful. But don't forget that learning can happen all the time. Every time you come across a new word, look it up, note it down, and memorize it later. Words collected in this way are more likely to stay in your memory. And, install(安装) an electronic dictionary, like the one from Kingsoft, in your computer. In that way you can learn new words when you use your computer.

　　No 6

　　Make learning new words a habit. Assign(选出) certain words to learn every day and reward yourself if you complete the assignment. Vocabulary building success depends on persistence(坚持), not on intelligence(智力). Your effort will pay off if you have really made one.

　　(文/黄云静 ； 英语辅导报高二版 03~04学年度第42期；版权归英语辅导报社所有，独家网络合作伙伴新浪教育，未经许可，不得以任何形式进行转载。)