Language Learning Series #7: Learning Word Sets

One method you can increase your vocabulary is through the use of word sets.  By focusing your attention on certain words of similar nature, you can boost your word retention in a short period.  I tend to use flashcards or notepads to organize word lists, and each method has its advantages and drawbacks.  In short, flashcards can be dealt and organized in a custom manner, giving variety to one’s study session.  However, it quickly becomes difficult to carry sets as they increase in number.  For this reason I tend to either use small sets of no more than fifteen cards or a notepad when in public. It should be noted that while a notepad is not as versatile a studying tool as a deck of flashcards, it can be used to quickly memorize patterned word sets, such as numbers, days of the week, and months of the year.  In fact, when studying such lists, I find it easier to memorize all the vocabulary at once by memorizing the list as a whole.