Six Simple Strategies to Improve English Vocabulary for International Students  

Welcome to this edition of our Q School blog! So, you are an international student who wants to improve their English outside the classroom? That is great! Improving your vocabulary improves your conversational skills but also improves your overall confidence in conversational settings. Here are some fun and effective activities.  

1. Daily Reading 

This activity sounds simple, but it is very effective! Reading can include news articles, magazines, or novels, it exposes students to new words in different contexts. It is recommended that students read at their current level and gradually increase the level of their reading.  

Tip: Reading out loud is also an effective method as it is a good way to improve pronunciation and fluency.  

2. Use Vocabulary Apps 

There are many apps that are beneficial for ESL students. This includes: Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, these apps are a fun and interactive way to learn English.  

3. Write a Vocabulary Journal 

Whenever there is a word, you do not know in class or in your readings, write it down in a notebook. Write its meaning, a sample sentence and it is a good source of revision if you cannot remember the word. 

4. Converse in English more 

One of the best ways to improve a language is to speak it on a regular basis. As you speak more you can use new vocabulary words in real conversations, which improves memory and understanding of certain words. 

5. Watch Movies or TV Shows in English. 

Watching movies and shows is a great method for visual learners. Students can watch TV initially with subtitles; by doing this when you hear a new word, you can see how it is written and understand its meaning.  

Conclusion 

Building vocabulary is an ongoing activity. Every word you learn you learn is a step closer to better English skills. The most important thing is consistency and dedication. At Q School we are here to support you along your English journey.

Vocabulary Bank: 

  1. Consistency: doing things on a regular basis 
  1. Converse: talk to someone about something 
  1. Beneficial: Something that can help you achieve a positive result. 
  1. Alliteration: Using the same starting letter in 2 or more words. For example: “six simple strategies.”