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1062 Vocabulary Words
Robert Harris
Version Date: October 16, 2008.
Hyperlinked September 5, 2002, thanks to Jon Kovaciny
Original Date: October 7, 1999
Here is a list of practical vocabulary words that will enable you to
read with better understanding and write with greater accuracy. Unlike
lists that emphasize strange and impressive words that few people actually
use, this list emphasizes words that are useful for your functional vocabulary.
For your convenience, each word has been linked to definitions at Dictionary.com.
At the end of the list are some tips for building your vocabulary.
Tips for Building Your Vocabulary
Try these ideas for learning the words above and how to use them.
Learn the words by using flash cards
Create a set of flash cards with the word on one side and the definition
on the other.
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Study each word and its definition until you know the word well. Keep studying
after you know the word in order to build fluency (or automaticity)--that
is, the ability to define the word instantly.
-
Next, study the flash cards backwards. That is, look at the definition
and name the word defined. Once again, continue to study until you reach
fluency.
Find the words in context
After you know the meaning of the words, you now want to be able to use
them correctly in your writing and speaking. This is often more challenging
than it seems, which is why thoughtless users of a thesaurus often go so
wrong. "He was dead drunk," and "He was deceased inebriated" just are not
synonymous expressions no matter what the thesaurus seems to say.
To find words used in context, download some good writing from the Web.
One way to start is to Google "free full text books" or name a book, as
in "Great Expectations full text" and see what you can locate.
-
Choose books that have the entire book in one text file.
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Then open the book in your word processor and perform a search on one of
the words you have learned.
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Copy the sentence for later study.
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Continue the search ("Find Next") until you have several examples of the
same word, so that you can see the variety and nuances of usage (by that
author at least).
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Change authors and get additional examples.
Write the words in sentences
Now that you know the dictionary meaning of the words and have studied
how they are actually used through several examples, write sentences using
the words. Keep the example sentences in mind as you write, paying attention
to the context of usage.
Find the words as you read
By now the words you have studied this way will be quite familiar to you.
As you read, then, notice these words when you come across them. Mark them
and their sentences and paragraphs and again study how they are used in
context.
If you follow this learning path, you'll soon know many new words and--even
better--be able to use them appropriately in your writing. You'll also
have a lot of fun.
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About the author:
Robert Harris is a writer
and educator with more than 25 years of teaching experience at the college
and university level. RHarris at virtualsalt.com