TOEFL – Vocabulary

A good grasp on grammar and vocabulary always comes in useful for the TOEFL exam. Not only it helps you in everyday life with your general interaction with people, but it also helps in the speaking and writing part of your TOEFL exam. Start initially by looking up the basic English sentence structure, spelling, punctuation and root words. Grow your vocabulary by reading and extracting new words. Try to use those new words in routine sentences to build your vocabulary. You can also enrol in language games and download apps related to the English language for improving your grammar and vocabulary.

Remember that you do have some English vocabulary, and you know English more than other people may know it. Yet, learning more English vocabulary requires hard work. There is no short cut to it. You will have to study.

Are There any Sections on Grammar and Vocabulary in TOEFL?

In TOEFL there are no specific sections that test your grammar and vocabulary, but it is important to have its knowledge because they are tested through your response of speaking and writing. While speaking you must use a correct grammatical expression and using different words correctly is sure to increase your TOEFL score. Similarly, while writing make sure you use the correct structure with proper punctuation and spellings. During writing, if you use diverse words it gives a nice impression to the examiner about your exposure to the English Language. Some ways of retaining new words are described below.

Vocabulary Journal

Once you improve your vocabulary you would not only be able to write and speak better but it would also help you to read better. Keep a small notebook where you can always note down new words for vocabulary. Every time you come across a new word write it down and find out its meaning, see how it is used and try to use it in different ways. You can also make flashcards and quiz yourself once you feel ready and prepared for the new words you have.

Watch English Movies

Watching English movies may be fun and an interesting way to build up your vocabulary. There are many genres of movies to choose from. Find the one that interests you and practice listening at the same time. You can start by watching a children’s movie or a sitcom. IT should have a lot of dialogue in it and most probably you would come across new words too as you watch.

Read the Best Sellers and Popular Books in English 

Reading practice will increase your reading ability and simultaneously expose you to several new words. Underline the new words that come across you as you read and see how they are used. Try to make your sentences with those words and store them in your active vocabulary.

How to improve English Vocabulary for TOEFL

Most English Language learners come up with this question, “How do we improve our English vocabulary?”. Here is some advice on how you can increase your vocabulary:

  • Make flashcards as they are the most effective way of learning vocabulary. They are also customizable and reusable.
  • Use an English to English dictionary as it is the best way of improving vocabulary because as you look up the word you will come across new words as you read the definition.
  • English vocabulary quizzes help you learn vocabulary in a more interestingly and amusingly way.
  • Be a word collector. You hear English all around you so listen carefully and make them into flashcards.
  • Use your new vocabulary otherwise, you will lose it. So, make yourself a promise to use an English new word daily. Use it otherwise you will lose it.

These activities are going to be time-consuming and they are something you will have to do regularly if you want to improve your vocabulary. Learning new words in another language can be challenging but it doesn’t have to get boring and frustrating. The aim of learning five new words daily in five days a week works well. Keep the other two days for revision. It is a proven way of learning and building up your vocabulary. Be consistent and remember that slow and steady wins the race. Google fifth-grade word vocabulary and learn the list. The fifth-grade vocabulary list is built from the difficult words found in books of a 5th grader. Avoid the temptation to translate the word in your native language and learn by context. Take short study sections in the morning and before you go to bed. Review on a daily basis. Remember that slow and steady you will win the race.