Tips to Improve Your Vocabulary
Read widely
Choose a variety of topics; include texts that are a bit challenging and which include words that are unfamiliar.
Read something you enjoy, otherwise you won't stick at it.
If you come across new words while you are reading
Try to work out the meaning of the word from the context.
Don't keep stopping to look up words you don't know as this breaks the flow and makes it more difficult to concentrate on, and understand, what you're reading.
If you're really struggling to understand what you're reading, look up one or two words that you don't understand, then reread the passage and keep going.
Play word games or do crosswords
Try board games such as Scrabble and Boggle - they're fun and great for learning new words.
Do crossword puzzles and other word games in print or online.
Keep a list of new words
If you read or hear a word you don't understand, look up the meaning of the word and write it down in your 'vocabulary list'.
Use index cards to help you remember new words.
Make sure you know how to pronounce new words correctly
Use the phonetic alphabet for help with pronunciation.
Use an online, talking dictionary that tells you how to say a word
Fix new words in your memory by using them
Say new words a number of times; listen to what you're saying.
Use your new words in conversation, in emails and other writing.