5 Great ways to improve your ESL vocabulary with a tutor

If you’re an English as a Second Language (ESL) student, you may be struggling to learn the new vocabulary that comes with being in an English-speaking country. While there are plenty of good ESL books and courses out there, they can only do so much if you don’t use them regularly. A tutor can help you practice speaking, grammar, and writing, but he or she can also help you to expand your vocabulary by learning new words and practising them through conversation.

1) Keep flashcards handy

A great way to keep new vocabulary fresh in your mind is by using flashcards. You can make them yourself from index cards or use an app like Quizlet. Write the word on one side and the definition, translation, or an example sentence on the other. Review them every day, especially before and after reading and writing sessions with your tutor. Reading outside of class is also helpful, as you are exposed to more words that may not be used in class. Read daily: You will likely see vocabulary come up again and again as you read for pleasure, so be sure to revisit it often! Read articles about subjects you know well: If you are studying business, read articles about marketing and customer service. Don’t stop there: Reading grammar articles will help you remember grammar rules that may have been covered during your lessons with your tutor!

2) Ask questions in class

When you don’t understand a word, ask your teacher during or after class. If you’re embarrassed to speak up in front of the whole class, write down the word and ask your teacher later. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes (five sentences): We all make mistakes when we’re learning a new language. The important thing is to not be afraid of making them. Mistakes are how we learn and grow.

3) Study at least 20 minutes every day

A good way to start building your vocabulary is by studying at least 20 minutes every day. This can be done by reading books, magazines, and newspapers; listening to music; watching movies; and playing word games. A tutor can help you focus on specific areas that you need to work on and can provide new material to help you learn new words.

4) Be an active listener

As an active listener, you are constantly absorbing new information. This includes both hearing and comprehending what is being said. When you are actively listening, you are not only concentrating on the words that are being spoken, but also on the speaker’s tone, body language and any other non-verbal cues. This allows you to fully understand the message that is being communicated.

5) Use mnemonic devices

A mnemonic device is any technique that assists in memory recall. When it comes to learning new vocabulary, mnemonic devices can be particularly helpful. There are many different types of mnemonic devices, but some common ones include acronyms, rhymes, and visual aids.