Smart Strategies to Increase Vocabulary for IELTS — Special Guest Interview

Apr 15, 2019 | How To Develop Skills

Need to increase your English vocabulary? In this special guest interview with Ben of IELTSPodcast.com, we talk about smart strategies to increase vocabulary for IELTS, TOEFL and even for daily life.

Here’s why…

One of the most common questions I get from students is, “How can I increase my vocabulary in English?” Or, “Why do I always forget words that I’ve learned?”

At IELTSpodcast.com, Ben helps students reach Band 7 or higher, so I wanted to ask about the strategies he uses to help students boost vocabulary for IELTS.

In this interview, Ben also highlights strategies you can use to increase your vocabulary for daily conversations in English as well.

Smart strategies to increase your vocabulary.

Lesson by Annemarie

Strategies and Resources to Increase Your Vocabulary for IELTS, TOEFL & Daily Conversation

Strategy 1: Find a technique that works for you.

Everyone learns differently. A strategy that works well for one student might not work in the same way for you.

Don’t be afraid to try new methods and find what’s best for you.

Strategy 2: Don’t just memorize lists of words — learn and practice.

To have more vocabulary to use when you speak, memorize the words you need and then *use* the new words in dialogues and speaking practice.

Ben recommends a flashcard app like www.quizlet.com or a site such as https://www.17-minute-languages.com

Strategy 3: After you learn new words, try to find them in real life.

Flashcards are great for learning new words, but then you need to use them in real life.

Try to find words when you’re reading or listening in English. Try to use the new words, phrases, or English collocations in your conversations. This is the best way to keep words in your memory.

Strategy 4: Create a successful daily habit or routine to practice your new vocabulary.

You’ll make more progress with 5 minutes every day instead of 1 full hour per week.

If you want to remember the words you’ve learned and use them in conversation, practice a little every day.

Learn More about Ben of IELTSPodcast.com

Ben is a tutor specialized in IELTS preparation, he is from a beautiful part of England called Yorkshire. However he said he had to lose his accent so people could understand him! He started teaching English in Spain and quickly gravitated towards IELTS, especially exam strategies to improve Band scores and pass.

He launched IELTSPodcast with the aim of sharing his knowledge and the expertise of other tutors around the world.

Find Ben online at:

Now that you’ve listened to this interview, I’d love to hear from you!

Ben and I talked about strategies to increase vocabulary and I’d love to know what has worked for you.

Do you have a strategy that has been helpful to you? What is it? Share with me and the Confident English Community in the comment section below.

Have a fantastic Confident English Wednesday!

~ Annemarie

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