Academic Vocabulary: Academic Words - Olsen Amy E. 2012

Create your own flash cards

Using flash cards can be an immensely helpful way to study vocabulary words. The process of making the flash cards will aid you in remembering the meanings of the words. Index cards work well as flash cards, or make photocopies of the following flash card template to get you started. Put the word and the pronunciation on the front of the card. Elements you may want to include on the back of the card will vary according to the word and your preferred learning style. Consider the ideas below, and find what works best for you.

1. The part of speech: Write an abbreviation for the part of speech, such as n. for noun or v. for verb. This addition will help when you are writing sentences.

2. A simple definition: Use the definitions in the book or modify them to something that has meaning for you. Use a definition you can remember.

3. A sentence: Make up your own sentence that correctly uses the word. Try to use a context clue to help you remember the word. It might help to put yourself or friends in the sentences to personalize your use of the word. If you really like a sentence from the book, you can use that too.

4. A drawing: If you are a visual learner, try drawing the word. Some words especially lend themselves to this method. Your drawing doesn't have to be fancy; it should just help you remember the meaning of the word.

5. A mnemonic (ni mon' ik) device: These are methods to help your memory. They can be rhymes, formulas, or clues. For example: Stationery with an e is the kind that goes in an envelope. Make up any connections you can between the word and its meaning.

6. Highlight word parts: Circle one or more word parts (prefixes, roots, or suffixes) that appear in the word, and write the meaning(s) next to the word part: for example, in^^. See the Word Parts chapters in the text for more on word parts. I _Lte eci

Whatever you do, make the cards personally meaningful. Find the techniques that work for you, and use them in creating your cards. Then make the time to study the cards. Carry them with you, and study them any chance you get. Also, find someone who will be tough in quizzing you with the cards. Have the person hold up a card, and you give the meaning and use the word in a sentence. Don't quit until you are confident that you know what each word means.